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h TLOWER 
I TABLES 


LOUISA MAY ALCOTT 


CHICAGO ^ 

W. B. CONKEY COMPANY t 


36123 

Library of Congress 

Two Copies Received 

AUG 18 1900 


Copyright entry 



2nd Copy Delivered to 

ORDER DIVISION 

UlUL^51900 




Copyright, 1900, by W. B. Conkey Company. 


ELLEN EMERSON, 


FOR WHOM THEY WERE FANCIED, 

THESE FLOWER FABLES 
ARE INSCRIBED, 

BY HER FRIEND, 


THE AUTHOR. 



CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

The Frost King; or, The Power of Love 9 

Eva’s Visit to Fairyland 29 

The Flower’s Lesson 50 

Lily-Bell and Thistledown 55 

Little Bud 92 

Clover- Blossom 105 

Little Annie’s Dream; or, The Fairy Flower 112 

Ripple, the Water-Spirit 126 

Fairy Song 146 


5 


CHRISTM AS-GREETIN GS. 


[from a fairy to a CHILD.] 

Lady, dear, if Fairies may 
For a moment lay aside 

Cunning tricks and elfish play, 

'Tis at happy Christmas-tide. 

We have heard the children say — 
Gentle children, whom we love— 

Long ago, on Christmas Day, 

Came a message from above. 

Still, as Christmas-tide comes round, 
They remember it again — 

Echo still the joyful sound, 

“Peace on earth, good-will to men!" 

Yet the hearts must childlike be 
Where such heavenly guests abide ; 

Unto children in their glee, 

All the year is Christmas-tide ! 

Thus, forgetting tricks and play 
For a moment, lady dear, 

We would wish you, if we may, 
Merry Christmas, glad New Year. 

Christmas, 1867. 


FLOWER FABLES. 


The summer moon shone brightly down 
upon the sleeping earth, while far away from 
mortal eyes danced the Fairy-folk. Fireflies 
hung in bright clusters on the dewy leaves, 
that waved in the cool night-wind; and the 
flowers stood gazing, in very wonder, at the 
little Elves, who lay among the fern-leaves, 
swung in the vine-boughs, sailed on the lake in 
lily cups, or danced on the mossy ground, to 
the music of the harebells, who rung out their 
merriest peal in honor of the night. 

Under the shade of a wild rose sat the 
Queen and her little Maids of Honor, beside 
the silvery mushroom where the feast was 
spread. 

“Now, my friends,” said she, “to wile away 
the time till the bright moon goes down, let 
us each tell a tale, or relate what we have 
done or learned this day. I will begin with 
you, Sunny Lock,” added she, turning to a 
lovely little Elf, who lay among the fragrant 
leaves of a primrose. 


7 


8 


FLOWER FABLES. 


With a gay smile, “Sunny Lock” began her 
story. 

“As I was painting the bright petals of a 
blue bell, it told me this tale. ’ ’ 


FLOWER FABLES. 


9 


THE FROST-KING; 

OR 

THE POWER OF LOVE. 

Three little Fairies sat in the fields eating 
their breakfast; each among the leaves of her 
favorite flower, Daisy, Primrose, and Violet, 
were happy as Elves need be. 

The morning wind gently rocked them to 
and fro, and the sun shone warmly down upon 
the dewy grass, where butterflies spread their 
gay wings, and bees with their deep voices 
sung among the flowers; while the little birds 
hopped merrily about to peep at them. 

On a silvery mushroom was spread the break- 
fast ; little cakes of flower-dust lay on a broad 
green leaf, beside a crimson strawberry, 
which, with sugar from the violet, and cream 
from the yellow milkweed, made a fairy meal, 
and their drink was the dew from the flowers’ 
bright leaves. 

“Ah me,” sighed Primrose, throwing herself 
languidly back, “how warm the sun grows! 
give me another piece of strawberry, and then 
I must hasten away to the shadow of the ferns. 
But while I eat, tell me, dear Violet, why are 
you all so sad? I have scarce seen a happy 
face since my return from Rose Land; dear 
friend, what means it?” 


10 


FLOWER FABLES. 


“I will tell you,” replied little Violet, the 
tears gathering in her soft eyes. ‘‘Our good 
Queen is ever striving to keep the dear flowers 
from the power of the cruel Frost- King; many 
ways she tried, but all have failed. She has 
sent messengers to his court with costly gifts; 
but all have returned sick for want of sun- 
light, weary and sad; we have watched over 
them heedless of sun or shower, but still his evil 
spirits do the work, and we are left to mourn 
over our blighted blossoms. Thus have we 
striven, and in vain; and this night our 
Queen holds council for the last time. There- 
fore are we sad, dear Primrose, for she has 
toiled and cared for us, and we can do nothing 
to help or advise her now. ” 

‘‘It is indeed a cruel thing,” replied her 
friend; ‘‘but as we cannot help it, we must 
suffer patiently, and not let the sorrows of 
others disturb our happiness. But, dear 
sisters, see you not how high the sun is get- 
ting? I have my locks to curl, and my robe 
to prepare for the evening ; therefore I must 
be gone, or I shall be brown as a withered leaf 
in this warm light.” So, gathering a tiny 
mushroom for a parasol, she flew away ; Daisy 
soon followed, and Violet was left alone. 

Then she spread the table afresh, and to it 
came fearlessly the busy ant and bee, gay 
butterfly and bird; even the poor blind mole 
and humble worm were not forgotten; and 
with gentle words she gave to all, while each 
learned something of their kind little teacher; 


FLOWER FABLES. 


11 


and the love that made her own heart bright 
shone alike on all. 

The ant and bee learned generosity, the 
butterfly and bird contentment, the mole and 
worm confidence in the love of others; and 
each went to their home better for the little 
time they had been with Violet. 

Evening came, and with it troops of Elves 
to counsel their good Queen, who, seated on 
her mossy throne, looked anxiously upon the 
throng below, whose glittering wings and rust- 
ling robes gleamed like many-colored flowers. 

At length she rose, and amid the deep 
silence spoke thus: 

“Dear children, let us not tire of a good 
.work, hard though it be and wearisome; think 
of the many little hearts that in their sorrow 
look to us for help. What would the green 
earth be without its lovely flowers, and what 
a lonely home for us! Their beauty fills our 
hearts with brightness, and their love with 
tender thoughts. Ought we then to leave 
them to die, uncared for and alone? They 
give to us their all; ought we not to toil un- 
ceasingly, that they may bloom in peace 
within their quiet homes? We have tried to 
gain the love of the stern Frost-King, but in 
vain ; his heart is hard as his own icy land ; no 
love can melt, no kindness bring it back to 
sunlight and to joy. How then may we keep 
our frail blossoms from his cruel spirits? Who 
will give us counsel? Who will be our messen- 
ger for the last time? Speak, my subjects.” 

Then a great murmuring arose, and many 


12 


FLOWER FABLES. 


spoke, some for costlier gifts, some for war; 
and the fearful counseled patience and sub- 
mission. 

Long and eagerly they spoke, and their soft 
voices rose high. 

Then sweet music sounded on the air, and 
the loud tones were hushed, as in wondering 
silence the Fairies waited what should come. 

Through the crowd there came a little form, 
a wreath of pure white violets lay among the 
bright locks that fell so softly round the gentle 
face, where a deep blush glowed, as, kneeling 
at the throne, little Violet said: 

“Dear Queen, we have bent to the Frost- 
King’s po\Ver, we have borne gifts unto his 
pride, but have we gone trustingly to him and 
spoken fearlessly of his evil deeds? Have we 
shed the soft light of unwearied love around 
his cold heart, and with patient tenderness 
shown him how bright and beautiful love can 
make even the darkest lot? 

“Our messengers have gone fearfully, and 
with cold looks and courtly words offered him 
rich gifts, things he cared not for, and with, 
equal pride has he sent them back. 

“Then let me, the weakest of your band, go 
to him, trusting in the love I know lies hidden 
in the coldest heart. 

“I will bear only a garland of our fairest 
flowers; these will I wind about him, and 
their bright faces, looking lovingly in his, will 
bring sweet thoughts to his dark mind, and 
their soft breath steal in like gentle words. 
Then when he sees them fading on his breast. 


FLOWER FABLES. 


13 


will he not sigh that there is no warmth there 
to keep them fresh and lovely? This will I 
do, dear Queen, and never leave his dreary 
home, till the sunlight falls on flowers fair as 
those that bloom in our own dear land. ” 

Silently the Queen had listened, but now, 
rising and placing her hand on little Violet’s 
head, she said, turning to the throng below: 

“We id our pride and power have erred, 
while this, the weakest and lowliest of our 
subjects, has from the innocence of her own 
pure heart counseled us more wisely than the 
noblest of our train. All who will aid our 
brave little messenger, lift your wands, that 
we may know who will place their trust in the 
Power of Love. “ 

Every fairy wand glistened in the air, as 
with silvery voices they cried, “Love and little 
Violet. ’ ’ 

Then down from the throne, hand in hand, 
came the Queen and Violet, and till the moon 
sank did the Fairies toil, to weave a wreath of 
the fairest flowers. Tenderly they gathered 
them, with the night-dew fresh upon their 
leaves, and as they wove chanted sweet spells, 
and whispered fairy blessings on the bright 
messengers whom they sent forth to die in a 
dreary land, that their gentle kindred might 
bloom unharmed. 

At length it was done; and the fair flowers 
lay glowing in the soft starlight, while beside 
them stood the Fairies, singing to the music of 
the wind-harps: 


14 


FLOWER FABLES. 


“We are sending you, dear flowers, 

Forth alone to die. 

Where your gentle sisters may not weep 
O’er the cold graves where you lie; 

But you go to bring them fadeless life 
In the bright homes where they dwell, 

And you softly smile that ’tis so, 

As we sadly sing farewell. 

“O plead with gentle words for us, 

And whisper tenderly 
Of generous love to that cold heart, 

And it will answer ye; 

And though you fade in a dreary home, 

Yet loving hearts will tell 
Of the joy and peace that you have given: 
Flowers, dear flowers, farewell!” 

The morning sun looked softly down upon, 
the broad green earth, which like a mighty 
altar was sending up clouds of perfume from 
its breast, while flowers danced gayly in the 
summer wind, and birds sang their morning 
hymn among the cool green leaves. Then 
high above, on shining wings, soared a little 
form. The sunlight rested softly on the silken 
hair, and the winds fanned lovingly the bright 
face, and brought the sweetest odors to cheer 
her on. 

Thus went Violet through the clear air, and 
the earth looked smiling up to her, as, with the 
bright wreath folded in her arms, she flew 
among the soft, white clouds. 

On and on she went, over hill and valley, 
broad rivers and rustling woods, till the warm 
sunlight passed away, the winds grew cold, 
and the air thick with falling snow. Then far 
below she saw the Frost-King’s home. Pillars 


FLOWER FABLES. 


15 


of hard, gray ice supported the high, arched 
roof, hung with crystal icicles. Dreary gar- 
dens lay around, filled with withered flowers 
and bare, drooping trees; while heavy clouds 
hung low in the dark sky, and a cold wind 
murmured sadly through the wintry air. 

With a beating heart Violet folded her fad- 
ing wreath more closely to her breast, and 
with weary wings flew onward to the dreary 
palace. 

Here, before the closed doors, stood many 
forms with dark faces and harsh, discordant 
voices who sternly asked the shivering little 
Fairy why she came to them. 

Gently she answered, telling them her er- 
rand, beseeching them to let her pass ere the 
cold wind blighted her frail blossoms. Then 
they flung wide the doors, and she passed in. 

Walls of ice, carved with strange figures, 
were around her; glittering icicles hung from 
the high roof, and soft, white snow covered 
the hard floors. On a throne hung with clouds 
sat the Frost- King; a crown of crystals bound 
his white locks, and a dark mantle wrought 
with delicate frost-work was folded over his 
cold breast. 

His stern face could not stay little Violet, 
and on through the long hall she went, heed- 
less of the snow that gathered on her feet, and 
the bleak wind that blew around her ; while 
the King with wondering eyes looked on the 
golden light that played upon the dark walls 
as she passed. 

The flowers, as if they knew their part, un- 


16 


FLOWER FABLES. 


folded their bright leaves, and poured forth 
their sweetest perfume, as, kneeling at the 
throne, the brave little Fairy said : 

“O King of blight and sorrow, send me not 
away till I have brought back the light and 
joy that will make your dark home bright and 
beautiful again. Let me call back, to the des- 
olate gardens the fair forms that are gone, and 
their soft voices blessing you will bring to your 
breast a never-failing joy. Cast by your icy 
crown and sceptre, and let the sunlight of love 
fall softly on your heart. 

“Then will the earth bloom again in all its 
beauty, and your dim eyes will rest only on 
fair forms, while music shall sound through 
these dreary halls, and the love of grateful 
hearts be yours. Have pity on the gentle 
flower-spirits, and do not doom them to an 
early death when they might bloom in fadeless 
beauty, making us wiser by their gentle teach- 
ings, and the earth brighter by their lovely 
forms. These fair flowers, with the prayers of 
all Fairy-Land I lay before you; O send me 
not away till they are answered.” 

And with tears falling thick and fast upon 
their tender leaves, Violet laid the wreath at 
his feet, while the golden light grew ever 
brighter as it fell upon the little form so hum- 
bly kneeling there. 

The King’s stern face grew milder as he 
gazed on the gentle Fairy, and the flowers 
seemed to look beseechingly upon him ; while 
their fragrant voices sounded softly in his ear, 
telling of their dying sisters, and of the joy it 


FLOWER FABLES. 


17 


gives to bring happiness to the weak and sor- 
rowing. But he drew the dark mantle closer 
over his breast and answered coldly: 

“I cannot grant your prayer, little Fairy; it 
is my will the flowers should die. Go back to 
your Queen, and tell her that I cannot yield 
my power to please these foolish flowers. ’ ’ 

Then Violet hung the wreath above the 
throne, and with weary feet went forth again, 
out into the cold, dark gardens, and still the 
golden shadows followed her, and wherever 
they fell, flowers bloomed and green leaves 
rustled. 

Then came the Frost-Spirits, and beneath 
their cold wings the flowers died, while the 
Spirits bore Violet to a low, dark cell, saying 
as they left her, that their King was angry 
that she had dared to stay when he had bid 
her go. 

So all alone she sat, and sad thoughts of her 
happy home came back to her, and she wept 
bitterly. But soon came visions of the gentle 
flowers dying in their forest homes and their 
voices ringing in her ear, imploring her to save 
them. Then she wept no longer, but patiently 
awaited what might come. 

Soon the golden light gleamed faintly 
through the cell, and she heard little voices 
calling for help, and high up among the heavy 
cobwebs hung poor little flies struggling to 
free themselves, while their cruel enemies sat 
in their nets, watching their pain. 

With her wand the Fairy broke the bands 
that held them, tenderly bound up their broken 

2 Flower Fables 


18 


FLOWER FABLES. 


wings, and healed their wounds; while they 
lay in the warm light, and feebly hummed 
their thanks to their kind deliverer. 

Then she went to the ugly brown spiders, 
and in gentle words told them how in Fairy- 
Land their kindred spun all the elfin cloth, and 
in return the Fairies gave them food, and then 
how happily they lived among the cool green 
leaves, spinning garments for their neighbors. 
“And you, too,” said she, “shall spin for me, 
and I will give you better food than helpless 
insects. You shall live in peace, and spin your 
delicate threads into a mantle for the stern 
King; and I will weave golden threads amid 
the gray, that when folded over his cold heart 
gentle thoughts may enter in and make it their 
home. 

And while she gayly sung, the little weavers 
spun their silken threads, the flies on glittering 
wings flew lovingly above her head, and over 
all the golden light shone softly down. 

When the Frost-Spirits told their King, he 
greatly wondered, and often stole to look at 
the sunny little room where friends and ene- 
mies worked peacefully together. Still the 
light grew brighter, and floated out into the 
cold air, where it hung like bright clouds above 
the dreary gardens, whence all the Spirits’ 
power could not drive it; and green leaves 
budded on the naked trees, and flowers 
bloomed; but the Spirits heaped snow upon 
them, and they bowed their heads and died. 

At length the mantle was finished and amid 
the gray threads shone golden ones, making it 


FLOWER FABLES. 


19 


bright ; and she sent it to the King, entreating 
him to wear it, for it would bring peace and 
love to dwell within his breast. 

But he scornfully threw it aside, and bade 
his Spirits take her to a colder cell, deep in the 
earth ; and there with harsh words they left 
her. 

Still she sang gayly on, and the falling drops 
kept time so musically that the King in his 
cold ice halls wondered at the low, sweet 
sounds that came stealing up to him. 

Thus Violet dwelt and each day the golden 
light grew stronger; and from among the crev- 
ices of the rocky walls came troops of little 
velvet-coated moles, praying that they might 
listen to the sweet music, and lie in the warm 
light. 

“We lead,” said they, “a dreary life in the 
cold earth ; the flower-roots are dead, and no 
soft dews descend for us to drink, no little 
seed or leaf can we find. Ah, good Fairy, let 
us be your servants : give us but a few crumbs 
of your daily bread, and we will do all in our 
power to serve you.” 

And Violet said, Yes; so day after day they 
labored to make a pathway through the frozen 
earth, that she might reach the roots of the 
withered flowers ; and soon, wherever through 
the dark galleries she went, the soft light fell 
upon the roots of flowers, and they with new 
life spread forth in the warm ground, and 
forced fresh sap to the blossoms above. 
Brightly they bloomed and danced in the soft 
light, and the Frost-Spirits tried in vain to 


20 


FLOWER FABLES. 


harm them, for when they came beneath the 
bright clouds their power to do evil left them. 

From his dark castle the King looked out 
on the happy flowers, who nodded gaily to him, 
and in sweet odors strove to tell him of the 
good little Spirit, who toiled so faithfully be- 
low, that they might live. And when he turned 
from the brightness without to his stately 
palace, it seemed so cold and dreary that he 
folded Violet’s mantle round him, and sat be- 
neath the faded wreath upon his ice-carved 
throne, wondering at the strange warmth that 
came from it; till at length he bade his Spirits 
bring the little Fairy from her dismal pris- 
on. 

So they came hastening back, and prayed 
him to come and see how lovely the- dark cell 
had grown. The rough floor was spread with 
deep green moss, and over wall and roof grew 
flowery vines, filling the air with their sweet 
breath; while above played the clear, soft 
light, casting rosy shadows on the glittering 
drops that lay among the fragrant leaves; and 
beneath the vines stood Violet, casting crumbs 
to the downy little moles who ran fearlessly 
about and listened as she sang to them. 

When the old King saw how much fairer 
she had made the dreary cell than his palace 
rooms, gentle thoughts within whispered him 
to grant her prayer, and let the little Fairy 
go back to her friends and home; but the 
Frost- Spirits breathed upon the flowers and 
bid him see how frail they were, and useless 
to a King. Then the stern, cold thoughts 


FLOWER FABLES. 


21 


came back again, and he harshly bid her fol- 
low him. 

With a sad farewell to her little friends she 
followed him, and before the throne awaited 
his command. When the King saw how pale 
and sad the gentle face had grown, how thin 
her robe, and weak her wings, and yet how 
lovingly the golden shadows fell around her 
and brightened as they lay upon the wand, 
which, guided by patient love, had made his 
once desolate home so bright, he could not be 
cruel to the one who had done so much for 
him, and in kindly tone he said : 

‘‘Little Fairy, I offer you two things, and 
you may choose between them. If I will vow 
never more to harm the flowers you may love, 
will you go back to your own people and leave 
me and my Spirits to work our will on all the 
other flowers that bloom? The earth is broad, 
and we can find them in any land, then why 
should you care what happens to their kindred 
if your own are safe? Will you do this?” 

“Ah!” answered Violet sadly, “do you not 
know that beneath the flowers’ bright leaves 
there beats a little heart that loves and sor- 
rows like our own? And can I, heedless of 
their beauty, doom them to pain and grief, 
that I might save my own dear blossoms from 
the cruel foes to which I leave them? Ah no! 
sooner would I dwell forever in your darkest 
cell than lose the love of those warm, trusting 
hearts. ” 

“Then listen,” said the King, “to the task I 
give you. You shall raise up for me a palace 


22 


FLOWER FABLES. 


fairer than this, and if you can work that mir- 
acle, I will grant your prayer or lose my 
kingly crown. And now go forth, and begin 
your task ; my Spirit shall not harm you, and 
I will wait till it is done before I blight 
another flower.” 

Then out into the gardens went Violet with 
a heavy heart; for she had toiled so long, her 
strength was nearly gone. But the flowers 
whispered their gratitude, and folded their 
leaves as if they blessed her; and when she 
saw the garden filled with loving friends, who 
strove to cheer and thank her for her care, 
courage and strength returned ; and raising up 
thick clouds of mist, that hid her from the 
wondering flowers, alone and trustingly she 
began her work. 

As time went by, the Frost-King feared the 
task had been too hard for the Fairy; sounds 
were heard behind the walls of mist, bright 
shadows seen to pass within, but the little 
voice was never heard. Meanwhile the golden 
light had faded from the garden, he flowers 
bowed their heads, and all was dark and cold 
as when the gentle Fairy came. 

And to the stern King his home seemed 
more desolate and sad ; for he missed the warm 
light, the happy flowers, and, more than all, 
the gay voice and bright face of little Violet. 
So he wandered through his dreary palace, 
wondering how he had been content to live be- 
fore without sunlight and love. 

And little Violet was mourned as dead in 
Fairy-Land, and many tears were shed, for the 


FLOWER FABLES. 


23 


gentle Fairy was beloved by all, from the 
Queen down to the humblest flower. Sadly 
they watched over every bird and blossom 
which she had loved, and strove to be like her 
in kindly words and deeds. They wore cy- 
press wreaths, and spoke of her as one whom 
they should never see again. 

Thus they dwelt in deepest sorrow, till one 
day there came to them an unknown messen- 
ger, wrapped in a dark mantle, who looked 
with wondering eyes on the bright palace, and 
flower-crowned Elves, who kindly welcomed 
him, and brought fresh dew and rosy fruit to 
refresh the weary stranger. Then he told 
them that he came from the Frost- King, who 
begged the Queen and all her subjects to come 
and see the palace little Violet had built ; for 
the veil of mist would soon be withdrawn, and 
as she could not make a fairer home than the 
ice-castle, the King wished her kindred near 
to comfort and to bear her home. And while 
the Elves wept, he told them how patiently 
she had toiled, how her fadeless love had made 
the dark cell bright and beautiful. 

These and many other things he told them ; 
for little Violet had won the love of many of 
the Frost-Spirits, and even when they killed 
the flowers she had toiled so hard to bring to 
life and beauty, she spoke gentle words to 
them, and sought to teach them how beautiful 
is love. Long stayed the messenger, and 
deeper grew his wonder that the Fairy could 
have left so fair a home, to toil in the dreary 
palace of his cruel master, and suffer cold and 


24 


FLOWER FABLES. 


weariness, to give life and joy to the weak and 
sorrowing. When the Elves had promised 
they would come, he bade farewell to happy 
Fairy-Land, and flew sadly home. 

At last the time arrived, and out in his bar- 
ren garden, under a canopy of dark clouds, sat 
the Frost- King before the misty wall, behind 
which were heard low, sweet sounds, as of 
rustling trees and warbling birds. 

Soon through the air came many-colored 
troops of Elves. First the Queen, known by 
the silver lilies on her snowy robe and the 
bright crown in her hair, beside whom flew a 
band of Elves in crimson and gold, making 
sweet music on their flower-trumpets, while 
all around, with smiling faces and bright eyes, 
fluttered her loving subjects. 

On they came, like a flock of brilliant but- 
terflies, their shining wings and many-colored 
garments sparkling in the dim air; and soon 
the leafless trees were gay with living flow- 
ers, and their sweet voices filled the gardens 
with music. Like his subjects, the King 
looked on the lovely Elves, and no longer won- 
dered that little Violet wept and longed for 
her home. Darker and more desolate seemed 
his stately home, and when the Fairies asked 
for flowers, he felt ashamed that he had none 
to give them. 

At length a warm wind swept through the 
gardens, and the mist-clouds passed away, 
while in silent wonder looked the Frost-King 
and the Elves upon the scene before them. 

Far as eye could reach were tall green trees, 


FLOWER FABLES. 


25 


whose drooping boughs made graceful arches, 
through which the golden light shone softly, 
making bright shadows on the deep green 
moss below, where the fairest flowers waved 
in the cool wind, and sang, in their low, sweet 
voices, how beautiful is Love. 

Flowering vines folded their soft leaves 
around the trees, making green pillars of their 
rough trunks. Fountains threw their bright 
waters to the roof, and flocks of silver-winged 
birds flew singing among the flowers, or 
brooded lovingly above their nests. Doves 
with gentle eyes cooed among the green leaves, 
snow-white clouds floated in the sunny sky, 
and the golden light, brighter than before,, 
shone softly down. 

Soon through the long aisles came Violet, 
flowers and green leaves rustling as she 
passed. On she went to the Frost-King’s 
throne, bearing two crowns, one of sparkling 
icicles, the other of pure white lilies, and 
kneeling before him, said : 

“My task is done, and, thanks to the Spirits 
of earth and air, I have made as fair a home as 
Elfin hands can form. You must now decide. 
Will you be King of Flower-Land, and own 
my gentle kindred for your loving friends? Will 
you possess unfading peace and joy, and the 
grateful love of all the green earth’s fragrant 
children? Then take this crown of flowers. 
But if you can find no pleasure here, go back 
to your own cold home, and dwell in solitude 
and darkness, where no ray of sunlight or of 
joy can enter. 


26 


FLOWER FABLES. 


“Send forth your Spirits to carry sorrow and 
desolation over the happy earth, and win for 
yourself the fear and hatred of those who 
would so gladly love and reverence you. Then 
take this glittering crown, hard and cold as 
your own heart will be, if you will shut out all 
that is bright and beautiful. Both are before 
you. Choose.” 

The old King looked at the little Fairy, and 
saw how lovingly the bright shadows gathered 
round her, as if to shield her from every harm ; 
the timid birds nestled in her bosom, and the 
flowers grew fairer as she looked upon them ; 
while her gentle friends, with tears in their 
bright eyes, folded their hands beseechingly, 
and smiled on her. 

Kind thoughts came thronging to his mind, 
and he turned to look at the two palaces. 
Violet’s, so fair and beautiful with its rustling 
trees, calm, sunny skies, and happy birds and 
flowers, all created by her patient love and 
care. His own, so cold and dark and dreary, 
his empty gardens where no flowers could 
bloom, no green trees dwell, or gay birds sing, 
all desolate and dim ; and while he gazed, his 
own Spirits, casting off their dark mantles, 
knelt before him and besought him not to send 
them forth to blight the things the gentle 
Fairies love so much. “We have served you 
long and faithfully,” said they, “give us now 
our freedom, that we may learn to be beloved 
by the sweet flowers we have harmed so long. 
Grant the little Fairy’s prayer; and let her go 
back to her own dear home. She has taught 


FLOWER FABLES. 


27 


ns that Love is mightier than Fear. Choose 
the Flower crown and we will be the truest 
subjects you have ever had.” 

Then amid a burst of wild sweet music the 
Frost-King placed the Flower crown on his 
head and knelt to little Violet; while far and 
near, over the broad green earth, sounded the 
voices of flowers, singing their thanks to the 
gentle Fairy, and the summer wind was laden 
with perfumes, which they sent as tokens of 
their gratitude; and wherever she went, old 
trees bent down to fold their slender branches 
round her, flowers laid their soft faces against 
her own, and whispered blessings; even the 
humble moss bent over the little feet, and 
kissed them as they passed. 

The old King, surrounded by the happy 
Fairies, sat in Violet’s lovely home, and 
watched his icy castle melt away beneath the 
bright sunlight; while his Spirits, cold and 
gloomy no longer, danced with the Elves and 
waited on their King with loving eagerness. 
Brighter grew the golden light, gayer sang 
the birds, and the harmonious voices of grate- 
ful flowers, sounding over the earth, carried 
new joy to all their gentle kindred. 

Brighter shone the golden shadows ; 

On the cool wind softly came 
The low, sweet tones of happy flowers, 

Singing little Violet’s name. 

'Mong the green trees was it whispered, 

And the bright waves bore it on 
To the lonely forest flowers. 

Where the glad news had not gone. 


28 


FLOWER FABLES. 


Thus the Frost-King lost his kingdom, 

And his power to harm and blight 
Violet conquered, and his cold heart 
Warmed with music, love and light; 

And his fair home, once so dreary, 

Gay with lovely Elves and flowers, 

Brought a joy that never faded. 

Through the long bright summer hours. 

Thus, by Violet’s magic power, 

All dark shadows passed away, 

And o’er the home of happy flowers 
The golden light forever lay. 

Thus the Fairy mission ended, 

And all Flower- Land was taught 
The “Power of Love,” by gentle deeds 
That little Violet wrought 

As Sunny Lock ceased, another little Elf 
came forward; and this was the tale “Silver 
Wing” told. 


FLOWER FABLES. 


29 


EVA’S VISIT TO FAIRY-LAND. 

Down among the grass and fragrant clover 
lay little Eva by the brookside, watching the 
bright waves as they went singing by under 
the drooping flowers that grew on its banks. 
As she was wondering where the waters went, 
she heard a faint, low sound, as of far-off 
music. She thought it was the wind, but not 
a leaf was stirring, and soon through the rip- 
pling water came a strange little boat. 

It was a lily of the valley, whose tall stem 
formed the mast, while the broad leaves that 
rose from the roots, and drooped again till 
they reached the water, were filled with gay 
little Elves, who danced to the music of the 
silver lily-bells above, that rang a merry peal, 
and filled the air with their fragrant breath. 

On came the fairy boat, till it reached a 
moss-grown rock; and here it stopped, while 
the Fairies rested beneath the violet-leaves, 
and sang with the dancing waves. 

Eva looked with wonder on their gay faces 
and bright garments, and in the joy of her 
heart sang too, and threw crimson fruit for 
the little folks to feast upon. 

They looked kindly on the child, and, after 
whispering long among themselves, two little 
bright-eyed Elves flew over the shining water, 


30 


FLOWER FABLES. 


and, lighting on the clover-blossoms, said 
gently, “Little maiden, many thanks for your 
kindness; and our Queen bids us ask if you 
will go with us to Fairy-Land, and learn what 
we can teach you. ’ ’ 

“Gladly would I go with you, dear Fairies,’* 
said Eva, “but I cannot sail in your little boat. 
See! I can hold you in my hand, and could 
not live among you without harming your tiny 
kingdom, I am so large.” 

Then the Elves laughed gayly, as they 
folded their arms about her, saying, “You are 
a good child, dear Eva, to fear doing harm to 
those weaker than yourself. You cannot hurt 
us now. Look in the water and see what we 
have done. ” 

Eva looked into the brook, and saw a tiny 
child standing between the Elves. “Now I 
can go with you,” said she, “but see, I can 
no longer step from the bank to yonder stone, 
for the brook seems now like a great river, and 
you have not given me wings like yours. ’ ’ 

But the Fairies took each a hand, and flew 
lightly over the stream. The Queen and her 
subjects came to meet her, and all seemed 
glad to say some kindly word of welcome to 
the little stranger. They placed a Flower- 
crown upon her head, laid their soft faces 
against her own, and soon it seemed as if the 
gentle Elves had always been her friends. 

“Now must we go home,” said the Queen, 
“and you shall go with us, little one.” 

Then there was a great bustle, as they flew 
about on shining wings, some laying cushions 


FLOWER FABLES. 


31 


of violet-leaves in the boat, others folding the 
Queen’s veil and mantle more closely round 
her, lest the falling dews should chill her. 

The cool waves’ gentle plashing against the 
boat, and the sweet chime of the lily-bells, 
lulled little Eva to sleep, and when she woke it 
was in Fairy- Land. A faint, rosy light, as of 
the setting sun, shone on the white pillars of 
the Queen’s palace as they passed in, and the 
sleeping flowers leaned gracefully on their 
stems, dreaming beneath their soft green cur- 
tains. All was cool and still, and the Elves 
glided silently about, lest they should break 
their slumbers. They led Eva to a bed of pure 
white leaves, above which drooped the fra- 
grant petals of a crimson rose. 

“You can look at the bright colors till the 
light fades, and then the rose will sing you to 
sleep,” said the Elves, as they folded the soft 
leaves about her, gently kissed her, and stole 
away. 

Long she lay watching the bright shadows, 
and listening to the song of the rose, while 
through the long night dreams of lovely things 
floated like bright clouds through her mind; 
while the rose bent lovingly above her, and 
sang in the clear moonlight. 

With the sun rose the Fairies, and with Eva, 
hastened away to the fountain, whose cool 
waters were soon filled with little forms, and 
the air ringing with happy voices, as the 
Elves floated in the blue waves among the fair 
white lilies, or sat on the green moss, smooth- 
ing their bright locks, and wearing fresh gar- 



FLOWER FABLES. 


83 


Then she went to the insects; first to a little 
fly who lay in a flower-leaf cradle. 

“Do you suffer much, dear Gauzy-Wing?" 
asked the Fairy. “I will bind up your poor 
little leg and Zephyr shall rock you to sleep." 
So she folded the cool leaves tenderly about 
the poor fly bathed his wings, and brought 
him refreshing drink, while he hummed his 
thanks, and forgot his pain, as Zephyr softly 
sung and fanned him with her waving wings. 
They passed on, and Eva saw beside each bed 
a Fairy, who with gentle hands and loving 
words soothed the suffering insects. At length 
they stopped beside a bee, who lay among 
sweet honeysuckle flowers, in a cool, still 
place, where the summer wind blew in, and 
the green leaves rustled pleasantly. Yet he 
seemed to find no rest, and murmured of the 
pain he was doomed to bear. “Why must I lie 
here, while my kindred are out in the pleasant 
fields, enjoying the sunlight and the fresh air, 
and cruel hands have doomed me to this dark 
place and bitter pain when 1 have done no 
wrong? Uncared for and forgotten, I must 
stay here among these poor things who think 
only of themselves. Come here, Rose-Leaf 
and bind up my wounds, for I am far more use- 
ful than idle bird or fly.” 

Then said the Fairy, while she bathed the 
broken wing : 

“Love- Blossom, you should not murmur. 
We may find happiness in seeking to be patient 
even while we suffer. You are not forgotten 
or uncared for, but others need our care more 

3 Flower Fables 


34 


FLOWER FABLES. 


than you, and to those who take cheerfully the 
pain and sorrow sent, do we most gladly give 
our help. You need not be idle, even though 
lying here in darkness and sorrow ; you can be 
taking from your heart all sad and discon- 
tented feelings, and if love and patience blos- 
som there, you will be better for the lonely 
hours spent here. Look on the bed beside 
you ; this little dove has suffered far greater 
pain than you, and all our care can never ease 
it; yet through the long days he hath lain 
here, not an unkind work or a repining sigh 
hath he uttered. Ah, Love-Blossom, the gen- 
tle bird can teach a lesson you will be wiser 
and better for.” 

Then a faint voice whispered, “Little Rose- 
Leaf, come quickly, or I cannot thank you as 
I ought for all your loving care of me. ” 

So they passed to the bed beside the discon- 
tented bee, and here upon the softest down lay 
the dove, whose gentle eyes looked gratefully 
upon the Fairy, as she knelt beside the little 
couch, smoothed the soft white bosom, folded 
her arms about it and wept sorrowing tears, 
while the bird still whispered its gratitude and 
love. 

“Dear Fairy, the fairest flowers have cheered 
me with their sweet breath, fresh dew and fra- 
grant leaves have been ever ready for me, gen- 
tle hands to tend, kindly hearts to love ; and 
for this I can only thank you and say fare- 
well. ” 

Then the quivering wings were still, and the 
patient little dove was dead; but the bee mur- 


FLOWER FABLES. 


35 


mured no longer, and the dew from the flow- 
ers fell like tears around the quiet bed. 

Sadly Rose-Leaf led Eva away, saying, “Lily- 
Blossom shall have a grave to-night beneath 
our fairest blossoms, and you shall see that 
gentleness and love are prized far above gold 
or beauty, here in Fairy-Land. Come now to 
the Flower Palace, and see the Fairy Court. ’ ’ 

Beneath green arches, bright with birds and 
flowers, beside singing waves, went Eva into 
a lofty hall. The roof of pure white lilies 
rested on pillars of green clustering vines, 
while many-colored blossoms threw their 
bright shadows on the walls, as they danced 
below in the deep green moss, and their low, 
sweet voices sounded softly through the sunlit 
palace, while the rustling leaves kept time. 

Beside the throne stood Eva, and watched 
the lovely forms around her, as they stood, 
each little band in its own color, with glisten- 
ing wings, and flower wands. 

Suddenly the music grew louder and sweet- 
er, and the Fairies knelt, and bowed their 
heads, as on through the crowd of loving sub- 
jects came the Queen, while the air was filled 
with gay voices singing to welcome her. 

She placed the child beside her, saying, 
“Little Eva, you shall see now how the flow- 
ers on your great earth bloom so brightly. A 
band of loving little gardeners go daily forth 
from Fairy-Land, to tend and watch them, 
that no harm may befall the gentle spirits that 
dwell beneath their leaves. This is never 
known, for like all good, it is unseen by mortal 


36 


FLOWER FABLES. 


eyes, and unto only pure hearts like yours do we 
make known our secret. The humblest flower 
that grows is visited by our messengers, and 
often blooms in fragrant beauty, unknown, un- 
loved by all save Fairy friends, who seek to fill 
the spirits with all sweet and gentle virtues, 
that they may not be useless on the earth ; for 
the noblest mortals stoop to learn of flowers. 
Now, Eglantine, what have you to tell us of 
your rosy namesake on the earth?” From a 
group of Elves, whose rose-wreathed wands 
showed the flower they loved, came one bear- 
ing a tiny urn, and, answering the Oueen, she 
said: 

“Over hill and valley they are blooming 
fresh and fair as summer sun and dew can 
make them. No drooping stem or withered 
leaf tells of any evil thought within their fra- 
grant bosoms, and thus from the fairest of 
their race have they gathered this sweet dew, 
as a token of their gratitude to one whose ten- 
derness and care have kept them pure and 
happy ; and this, the loveliest of their sisters, 
have I brought to place among the Fairy flow- 
ers that never pass away.” 

Eglantine laid the urn before the Queen, 
and placed the fragrant rose on the dewy moss 
beside the throne, while a murmur of approval 
went through the hall, as each elfin wand 
waved to the little fairy who had toiled so well 
and faithfully, and could bring so fair a gift to 
their good Queen. 

Then came forth an Elf bearing a withered 
leaf, while her many-colored robe and the pur- 


FLOWER FABLES. 


37 


pie tulips in her hair told her name and 
charge. 

“Dear Queen,” she sadly said, “I would 
gladly bring as pleasant tidings as my sister, 
but, alas! my flowers are proud and wilful, and 
when I went to gather my little gift of colored 
leaves for royal garments, they bade me bring 
this withered blossom, and tell you they would 
serve no longer one who will not make them 
Queen over all the other flowers. They would 
yield neither dew nor honey, but proudly 
closed their leaves and bid me go.” 

“Your task has been too hard for you,” said 
the Queen kindly, as she placed the drooping 
flower in the urn Eglantine had given, “you 
will see how this dew from a sweet, pure heart 
will give new life and loveliness even to this 
poor faded one. So can you, dear Rainbow, 
by loving words and gentle teachings, bring 
back lost purity and peace to those whom pride 
and selfishness have blighted. Go once again 
to the proud flowers, and tell them when they 
are queen of their own hearts they will ask no 
fairer kingdom. Watch more tenderly than 
ever over them, see that they lack neither dew 
nor air, speak lovingly to them, and let no 
unkind word or deed of theirs anger you. Let 
them see by your patient love and care how 
much fairer they might be, and when next you 
come, you will be laden with gifts from hum- 
ble, loving flowers.” 

Thus they told what they had done, and re- 
ceived from their Queen some gentle chiding 
or loving word of praise. 


38 


FLOWER FABLES. 


“You will be weary of this,” said little Rose 
Leaf to Eva; “come now and see where we 
are taught to read the tales written on flower 
leaves, and the sweet language of the birds, 
and all that can make a Fairy heart wiser and 
better.” 

Then into a cheerful place they went, where 
were many groups of flowers, among whose 
leaves sat the child Elves, and learned from 
their flower books all that Fairy hands had 
written there. Some studied how to watch the 
tender buds, when to spread them to the sun- 
light, and when to shelter them from rain ; 
how to guard the ripening seeds, and when to 
lay them in the warm earth or send them on 
the summer wind to far off hills and valleys, 
where other Fairy hands would tend and cher- 
ish them, till a sisterhood of happy flowers 
sprang up to beautify and gladden the lonely 
spot where they had fallen. Others learned to 
heal the wounded insects, whose frail limbs a 
breeze could shatter, and who, were it not for 
Fairy hands, would die ere half their happy 
summer life had gone. Some learned how by 
pleasant dreams to cheer and comfort mortal 
hearts, by whispered words of love to save 
from evil deeds those who had gone astray, to 
fill young hearts with gentle thoughts and pure 
affections, that no sin might mar the beauty 
of the human flower; while others, like mortal 
children, learned the Fairy alphabet. Thus 
the Elves made loving friends by care and 
love, and no evil thing could harm them, for 


FLOWER FABLES. 


39 


those they helped to cherish and protect ever 
watched to shield and save them. 

Eva nodded to the gay little ones, as they 
peeped from among the leaves at the stranger, 
and then she listened to the Fairy lessons. 
Several tiny Elves stood on a broad leaf while 
the teacher sat among the petals of a flower 
that bent beside them, and asked questions 
that none but Fairies would care to know. 

“Twinkle, if there lay nine seeds within a 
flower cup and the wind bore five away, how 
many would the blossom have?” 

“Four,” replied the little one. 

“Rosebud, if a Cowslip opens three leaves in 
one day and four the next, how many rosy 
leaves will there be when the whole flower has 
bloomed?” 

“Seven,” sang the gay little Elf. 

“Harebell, if a silkworm spin one yard of 
Fairy cloth in an hour, how many will it spin 
in a day?” 

“Twelve,” said the Fairy child. 

“Primrose, where lies Violet Island?” 

“In the Lake of Ripples.” 

“Lilia, you may bound Rose Land.” 

“On the north by Ferndale, south by Sunny 
Wave River, east by the hill of Morning 
Clouds, and west by the Evening Star. ” 

“Now, little ones,” said the teacher, “you 
may go to your painting, that our visitor may 
see how we repair the flowers that earthly 
hands have injured.” 

Then Eva saw how, on large, white leaves, 
the Fairies learned to imitate the lovely col- 


40 


FLOWER FABLES. 


ors, and with tiny brushes to brighten the 
blush on the anemone’s cheek, to deepen the 
blue of the violet’s eye, and add new light to 
the golden cowslip. 

“You have stayed long enough,” said the 
Elves at length, “we have many things to 
show you. Come now and see what is our 
dearest work.” 

So Eva said farewell to the child Elves, and 
hastened with little Rose-Leaf to the gates. 
Here she saw many bands of Fairies folded in 
dark mantles that mortals might not know 
them, who, with the child among them, flew 
away over hill and valley. Some went to the 
cottages amid the hills, some to the seaside 
to watch above the humble fisher folks; but 
little Rose-Leaf and many others went into the 
noisy cit3^. 

Eva wondered within herself what good the 
tiny Elves could do in this great place; but 
she soon learned, for the Fairy band went 
among the poor and friendless, bringing pleas- 
ant dreams to the sick and old, sweet, tender 
thoughts of love and gentleness to the young, 
strength to the weak, and patient cheerfulness 
to the poor and lonely. 

Then the child wondered no longer, but 
deeper grew her love for the tender-hearted 
Elves, who left their own happy home to cheer 
and comfort those who never knew what hands 
had clothed and fed them, what hearts had 
given of their own joy, and brought such hap- 
piness to theirs. 

Long they stayed, and many a lesson little 


FLOWER FABLES. 


41 


Eva learned ; but when she begged them to 
go back, they still led her on, saying, “Our 
work is not yet done; shall we leave so many 
sad hearts when we may cheer them, so many 
dark homes that we may brighten? We must 
stay yet longer, little Eva, and you may learn 
yet more. ” 

Then they went into a dark and lonely 
room, and here they found a pale, sad-eyed 
child who wept bitter tears over a faded 
flower. 

“Ah,” sighed the little one, “it was my 
only friend, and I cherished it with all my lone 
heart’s love; 'twas all that made my sad life 
happy; and it is gone.” 

Tenderly the child fastened the drooping 
stem, and placed it where the one faint ray of 
sunlight stole into the dreary room. 

“Do you see,” said the Elves, “through this 
simple flower will we keep the child pure and 
stainless amid the sin and sorrow around her. 
The love of this shall lead her on through 
temptation and through grief, and she shall be 
a spirit of joy and consolation to the sinful and 
the sorrowing.” 

And with busy love toiled the Elves amid 
the withered leaves, and new strength was 
given to the flower; while, as day by day the 
friendless child watched the growing buds, 
deeper grew her love for the unseen friends 
who had given her one thing to cherish in her 
lonely home; sweet, gentle thoughts filled her 
heart as she bent above it, and the blossom’s 
fragrant breath was to her a whispered voice 


42 


FLOWER FABLES. 


of all fair and lovely things ; and as the flower 
taught her, so she taught others. 

The loving Elves brought her sweet dreams 
by night, and happy thoughts by day, and as 
she grew in child-like beauty, pure and patient 
amid poverty and sorrow, the sinful were re- 
buked, sorrowing hearts grew light, and the 
weak and selfish forgot their idle fears, when 
they saw her trustingly live on with none to aid 
or comfort her. The love she bore the tender 
flower kept her own heart innocent and bright, 
and the pure human flower was a lesson to 
those who looked upon it ; and soon the gloomy 
house was bright with happy hearts, that 
learned of the gentle child to bear poverty and 
grief as she had done, to forgive those who 
brought care and wrong to them, and to seek 
for happiness in humble deeds of charity and 
love. 

“Our work is done," whispered the Elves, 
and with blessings on the two fair flowers they 
flew away to other homes — to a blind old man 
who dwelt alone with none to love him, till 
through long years of darkness and of silent 
sorrow the heart within had grown dim and 
cold. No sunlight could enter at the darkened 
eyes and none were near to whisper gentle 
words to cheer and comfort. 

Thus he dwelt forgotten and alone, seeking 
to give no joy to others, possessing none him- 
self. Life was dark and sad till the untiring 
Elves came to his dreary home, bringing sun- 
light and love. They whispered sweet words 
of comfort — how if the darkened eyes could 


FLOWER FABLES. 


43 


find no light without, within there might be 
never-failing happiness; gentle feelings and 
sweet, loving thoughts could make the heart 
fair, if the gloomy, sefish sorrow were but cast 
away, and all would be bright and beautiful. 

They brought light-hearted children who 
gathered round him, making the desolate home 
fair with their young faces, and his sad heart 
gay with their sweet childish voices. The 
love they bore he could not cast away, sunlight 
stole in, the dark thoughts passed away, and 
the earth was a pleasant home to him. 

Thus their little hands led him back to peace 
and happiness, flowers bloomed beside his 
door, and their fragrant breath brought happy 
thoughts of pleasant valleys and green hills; 
birds sang to him, and their sweet voices 
woke the music in his own soul, that never 
failed to calm and comfort. Happy sounds 
were heard in his once lonely home, and bright 
faces gathered round his knee, and listened 
tenderly while he strove to tell them all the 
good that gentleness and love had done for 
him. 

Still the Elves watched near, and brighter 
grew the heart as kindly thoughts and tender 
feelings entered in, and made it their home ; 
and when the old man fell asleep, above his 
grave little feet trod lightly, and loving hands 
laid fragrant flowers. 

Then went the Elves into the dreary prison- 
houses, where sad hearts pined in lonely sorrow 
for the joy and freedom they had lost. To 
these came the loving band, with tender 


44 


FLOWER FABLES. 


words, telling of the peace that yet might win 
by patient striving and repentant tears, thus 
waking in their' bosoms all the holy feelings 
and sweet affections that had slept so long. 

They told pleasant tales, and sang their 
sweetest songs to cheer and gladden, while the 
dim cells grew bright with the sunlight, and 
fragrant with the flowers the loving Elves had 
brought, and by their gentle teachings those 
sad, despairing hearts were filled with patient 
hope and earnest longing to win back their 
lost innocence and joy. 

Thus to all who needed help or comfort 
went the faithful Fairies; and when at length 
they turned toward Fairy-Land, many were 
the grateful, happy hearts they left behind. 

Then through the summer sky, above the 
blossoming earth, they journeyed home, hap- 
pier for the joy they had given, wiser for the 
good they had done. 

All Fairy-Land was dressed in flowers, and 
the soft wind went singing by, laden with 
their fragrant breath. Sweet music sounded 
through the air, and troops of Elves in their 
gayest robes hastened to the palace where the 
feast was spread. 

Soon the bright hall was filled with smiling 
faces and fair forms, and little Eva, as she 
stood beside the Queen, thought she had never 
seen a sight so lovely. 

The many-colored shadows of the fairest 
flowers played on the pure white walls, and 
fountains sparkled in the sunlight, making 
music as the cool waves rose and fell, while 


FLOWER FABLES. 


45 


to and fro, with waving wings and joyous 
voices, went the smiling Elves, bearing fruit 
and honey, or fragrant garlands for each 
other’s hair. 

Long they feasted, gayly they sang and 
Eva, dancing merrily among them, longed to 
be an Elf that she might dwell forever in so 
fair a home. 

At length the music ceased, and the Queen 
said, as she laid her hand on little Eva’s shin- 
ing hair: 

“Dear child, to-morrow we must bear you 
home, for, much as we long to keep you, it 
were wrong to bring such sorrow to your lov- 
ing earthly friends; therefore we will guide 
you to the brookside, and there say farewell till 
you come again to visit us. Nay, do not weep, 
dear Rose-Leaf; you shall watch over little 
Eva’s flowers, and when she looks at them she 
will think of you. Come now and lead her to 
the Fairy garden, and show her what we think 
our fairest sight. Weep no more, but strive to 
make her last hours with us as happy as you 
can.” 

With gentle caresses and most tender words 
the loving Elves gathered about the child, 
and, with Rose-Leaf by her side, they led her 
through the palace, and along green, winding 
paths, till Eva saw what seemed a wall of 
flowers rising before her, while the air was 
filled with the most fragrant odors, and the 
low, sweet music as of singing blossoms. 

“Where have you brought me. and what 
mean these lovely sounds?’’ asked Eva. 


4G 


FLOWER FABLES. 


“Look here, and you shall see,” said Rose- 
Leaf, as she bent aside the vines, “but listen 
silently or you cannot hear. ” 

Then Eva, looking through the drooping 
vines, beheld a garden filled with the loveliest 
flowers; fair as were all the blossoms she had 
seen in Fairy-Land, none were so beautiful as 
these. The rose glowed with a deeper crim- 
son, the lily’s soft leaves were more purely 
white, the crocus and humble cowslip shone like 
sunlight, and the violet was blue as the sky 
that smiled above it. 

“How beautiful they are,” whispered Eva, 
“but, dear Rose-Leaf, why do you keep them 
here, and why call you this your fairest 
sight?” 

“Look again, and I will tell you,” answered 
the Fairy. 

Eva looked, and saw from every flower a 
tiny form come forth to welcome the Elves, 
who all, save Rose-Leaf, had flown above 
them all, and were now scattering dew upon 
the flowers’ bright leaves and talking gayly 
with the Spirits, who gathered around them, 
and seemed full of joy that they had come. 
The child saw that each one wore the colors of 
the flower that was its home. Delicate and 
graceful were the little forms, bright the silken 
hair that fell about each lovely face ; and Eva 
heard the low, sweet murmur of their silvery 
voices and the rustle of their wings. She 
gazed in silent wonder, forgetting, she knew 
not who they were, till the Fairy said : 

“These are the spirits of the flowers, and 


FLOWER FABLES. 


47 


this the Fairy Home where those whose 
hearts were pure and loving on earth come to 
bloom in fadeless beauty here, when their 
earthly life is past. The humblest flower that 
blooms has a home with us, for outward 
beauty is a worthless thing if all be not fair 
and sweet within. Do you see yonder lovely 
spirit singing with my sister Moonlight? a 
clover blossom was her home, and she dwelt 
unknown, unloved; yet patient and content, 
bearing cheerfully the sorrows sent her. We 
watched and saw how fair and sweet the 
humble flower grew, and then gladly bore her 
here, to blossom with the lily and the rose. 
The flowers’ lives are often short, for cruel 
hands destroy them ; therefore is it our great- 
est joy to bring them hither, where no careless 
foot or wintry wind can harm them, where 
they bloom in quiet beauty, repaying our care 
by their love and sweetest perfumes.” 

‘‘I will never break another flower,” cried 
Eva; ‘‘but let me go to them, dear Fairy; I 
would gladly know the lovely spirits, and ask 
forgiveness for the sorrow I have caused. 
May I not go in?” 

‘‘Nay, dear Eva, you are a mortal child, and 
cannot enter here ; but I will tell them of the 
kind little maiden who has learned to love 
them, and they will remember you when you 
are gone. Come now, for you have seen 
enough, and we must be away. ” 

On a rosy morning cloud, surrounded by the 
loving Elves, went Eva through the sunny 
sky. The fresh wind bore them gently on. 


48 


FLOWER FABLES. 


and soon they stood again beside the brook, 
whose waves danced brightly as if to welcome 
them. 

“Now, ’ere we say farewell,’’ said the 
Queen, as they gathered nearer to the child, 
“tell me, dear Eva, what among all our Fairy 
gifts will make you happiest, and it shall be 
yours.” 

“You good little Fairies,” said Eva, folding 
them in her arms, for she was no longer the 
tiny child she had been in Fairy-Land, “you 
dear good little Elves, what can I ask of you, 
who have done so much to make me happy, 
and taught me so many good and gentle les- 
sons, the memory of which will never pass 
away? I can only ask of you the power to be 
as pure and gentle as yourselves, as tender 
and loving to the weak and sorrowing, as un- 
tiring in kindly deeds to all. Grant me this 
gift, and you shall see that little Eva has not 
forgotten what you have taught her. ’ ’ 

“The power shall be yours,” said the Elves, 
and laid their soft hands on her head; “we 
will watch over you in dreams, and when you 
would have tidings of us, ask the flowers in 
your garden, and they will tell you all you 
would know. Farewell. Remember Fairy- 
Land and all your loving friends.” 

They clung about her tenderly, and little 
Rose-Leaf placed a Flower crown on her 
head, whispering softly, “When you would 
come to us again, stand by the brookside and 
wave this in the air, and we will gladly take 
3 7 ou to our home again. Farewell, dear Eva. 


FLOWER FABLES. 


49 


Think of your little Rose-Leaf when among 
the flowers. ’ ’ 

Long Eva watched their shining wings, and 
listened to the music of their voices as they 
flew singing home, and when at length the last 
little form had vanished among the clouds, she 
saw that all around her where the Elves had 
been the fairest flowers had sprung up, and 
the lonely brookside was a blooming garden. 

Thus she stood among the waving blossoms, 
with the Fairy garland in her hair, and happy 
feelings in her hear':, better and wiser for her 
visit to Fairy- Land. 

“Now, Star-Twinkle, what have you to 
teach?” asked the Queen. 

“Nothing but a little song I heard the hare- 
bells singing, ” replied the Fairy, and taking 
her harp, sang in a low, sweet voice : 


4 Flower Fables 


50 


FLOWER FABLES. 


THE FLOWER’S LESSON. 

There grew a fragrant rose tree where the 
brook flows, 

With two little tender buds, and one full rose ; 

When the sun went down to his bed in the 
west, 

The little buds leaned on the rose-mother’s 
breast, 

While the bright-eyed stars their long watch 
kept, 

And the flowers of the valley in their green 
cradles slept : 

Then silently in odors they communed with 
each other, 

The two little buds on the bosom of their 
mother. 

“O sister,” said the little one, as she gazed at 
the sky, 

‘‘I wish that the Dew Elves, as they wander 
lightly by, 

Would bring me a star; for they never grow 
dim, 

And the Father does not need them to burn 
round him. 

The shining drops of dew the Elves bring each 
day 

And place in my bosom, so soon pass away ; 

But a star would glitter brightly through the 
long summer hours, 


FLOWER FABLES. 


51 


And I should be fairer than all my sister 
flowers. 

That were better far than the dewdrops that 
fall 

On the high and the low, and come alike to all. 

I would be fair and stately, with a bright star 
to shine 

And give a queenly air to this crimson robe of 
mine. ” 

And proudly she cried, “These fireflies shall 
be 

My jewels, since the stars can never come to 
me.” 

Just then a tiny dewdrop that hung o’er the 
dell 

On the breast of the bud like a soft star fell ; 

But impatiently she flung it away from her leaf, 

And it fell on her mother like a tear of grief, 

While she folded to her breast, with wilful 
pride, 

A glittering firefly that hung by her side. 

“Heed,” said the mother rose, “daughter 
mine, 

Why shouldst thou seek for beauty not thine? 

The Father hath made thee what thou now 
art; 

And what he most loveth is a sweet, pure 
heart. 

Then why dost thou take with such discontent 

The loving gift which he to thee hath sent? 

For the cool fresh dew will render thee far 

More lovely and sweet than the brightest star ; 

They were made for Heaven, and can never 
come to shine 


52 


FLOWER FABLES. 


Like the firefly thou hast in that foolish breast 
of thine. 

O my foolish little bud, do listen to thy 
mother; 

Care only for true beauty, and seek for no 
other. 

There will be grief and trouble in that willful 
little heart; 

Unfold thy leaves, my daughter, and let the fly 
depart. ’ ’ 

But the proud little bud would have her own 
will, 

And folded the firefly more closely still ; 

Till the struggling insect tore open the vest 

Of purple and green, that covered her breast 

When the sun came up, she saw with grief 

The blooming of her sister bud leaf by leaf 

While she, once as fair and bright as the 
rest, 

Hung her weary head down on her wounded 
breast. 

Bright grew the sunshine, and the soft summer 
air 

Was filled with the music of flowers singing 
there ; 

But faint grew the little bud with thirst and 
pain, 

And longed for the cool dew; but now ’twas 
in vain. 

Then bitterly she wept for her folly and pride, 

As drooping she stood by her fair sister’s side. 

Then the rose mother leaned the weary little 
head 

On her bosom to rest, and tenderly she said : 


FLOWER FABLES. 


53 


“Thou hast learned, my little bud, that, what- 
ever may betide, 

Thou canst win thyself no joy by passion or by- 
pride. 

The loving Father sends the sunshine and the 
shower, 

That thou mayst become a perfect little 
flower — 

The sweet dews to feed thee, the soft wind to 
cheer, 

And the earth as a pleasant home, while thou 
art dwelling here. 

Then shouldst thou not be grateful for all this 
kindly care, 

And strive to keep thyself most innocent and 
fair? 

Then seek, my little blossom, to win humility; 

Be fair without, be pure within, and thou wilt 
happy be. 

So when the quiet Autumn of thy fragrant life 
shall come, 

Thou mayst pass away, to bloom in the Flower 
Spirits’ home.” 

Then from the mother’s breast, where it still 
lay hid 

Into the fading bud the dewdrop gently slid; 

Stronger grew the little form and happy tears 
fell, 

As the dew did its silent work and the bud 
grew well, 

While the gentle rose leaned with motherly 
pride 

O’er the fair little ones that bloomed at her 
side. 


54 


FLOWER FABLES. 


Night came again and the fireflies flew; 

But the bud let them pass, and drank of the 
dew; 

While the soft stars shone, from the still sum- 
mer heaven, 

On the happy little flower that had learned the 
lesson given. 

The music-loving Elves clapped their hands, 
as Star-Twinkle ceased; and the Queen placed 
a Flower crown, with a gentle smile, upon the 
Fairy’s head, saying: 

“The little bud’s lesson shall teach us how 
sad a thing is pride, and that humility alone 
can bring true happiness to flower and Fairy. 
You shall come next, Zephyr.” 

And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and 
fro upon a fluttering vineleaf, thus began her 
story: 

“As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip 
that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired 
of play, told me this tale of 


FLOWER FABLES. 


55 


LILY-BELL AND THISTLEDOWN. 

Once upon a time, two little Fairies went 
out into the world to seek their fortune. This- 
tledown was as gay and gallant a little Elf as 
ever spread a wing. His purple mantle, and 
doublet of green, were embroidered with the 
brightest threads, and the plume in his cap 
came always from the wing of the gayest 
butterfly. 

But he was not loved in Fairv-Land, for, like 
the flower whose name and colors he wore, 
though fair to look upon, many were the little 
thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay con- 
cealed by his gay mantle. Many a gentle 
flower and harmless bird died by his hand, for 
he cared for himself alone, and whatever gave 
him pleasure must be his, though happy hearts 
were rendered sad, and peaceful homes de- 
stroyed. 

Such was Thistledown : but far different was 
his little friend, Lily-Bell. Kind, compassion- 
ate, and loving, wherever her gentle face was 
seen, joy and gratitude were found; no suffer- 
ing flower or insect, that did not love and bless 
the kindly Fairy; and thus all Elf-Land looked 
upon her as a friend. 

Nor did this make her vain and heedless of 
others ; she humbly dwelt among them, seeking 


56 


FLOWER FABLES. 


to do all the good she might; and many a 
houseless bird and hungry insect that This- 
tledown had harmed did she feed and shelter, 
and in return no evil could befall her, for so 
many friends were all about her, seeking to 
repay her tenderness and love by their watch- 
ful care. 

She would not now have left Fairy-Land, 
but to help and counsel her wild companion, 
Thistledown, who, discontented with his quiet 
home, would seek his fortune in the great 
world, and she feared he would suffer from his 
own faults, for others would not always be as 
gentle and forgiving as his kindred. So the 
kind little Fairy left her home and friends to go 
with him; and* thus, side by side, they flew 
beneath the bright summer sky. 

On and on, over hill and valley, they went, 
chasing the gay butterflies, or listening to the 
bees, as they flew from flower to flower like 
busy little housewives, singing as they worked ; 
till at last they reached a pleasant garden, 
filled with flowers and green old trees. 

“See,” cried Thistledown, “what a lovely 
home is here; let us rest among the cool leaves, 
and hear the flowers sing, for I am sadly tired 
and hungry.” 

So into the quiet garden they went, and the 
winds gayly welcomed them, while the flowers 
nodded on their stems, offering their bright 
leaves for the Elves to rest upon, and fresh, 
sweet honey to refresh them. 

“Now, dear Thistle, do not harm these 
friendly blossoms, ” said Lily-Bell; “see how 


FLOWER FABLES. 


57 


kindly they spread their leaves, and offer us 
their dew. It would be very wrong in you to 
repay their care with cruelty and pain. You 
will be tender for my sake, dear Thistle.” 

Then she went among the flowers, and they 
bent lovingly before her, and laid their soft 
leaves against her little face, that she might 
see how glad they were to welcome one so good 
and gentle, and kindly offered their dew and 
honey to the weary little Fairy, who sat among 
their fragrant petals and looked smilingly on 
the happy blossoms, who, with their soft, low 
voices, sang her to sleep. 

While Lily-Bell lay dreaming among the 
rose-leaves, Thistledown went wandering 
through the garden. First he robbed the bees 
of their honey, and rudely shook the little 
flowers, that he might get the dew they had 
gathered to bathe their buds in. Then he 
chased the bright-winged flies, and wounded 
them with the sharp thorn he carried for a 
sword; he broke the spider’s shining webs, 
lamed the birds, and soon wherever he passed 
lay wounded insects and drooping flowers; 
while the winds carried the tidings over the 
garden, and bird and blossom looked upon him 
as an evil spirit, and fled away or closed their 
leaves, lest he should harm them. 

Thus he went, leaving sorrow and pain 
behind him, till he came to the roses where 
Lily-Bell lay sleeping. There, weary of his 
cruel sport, he stayed to rest beneath a grace- 
ful rose tree, where grew one blooming flower 
and a tiny bud. 


58 


FLOWER FABLES. 


“Why are you so slow in blooming, little 
one? You are too old to be rocked in your 
green cradle longer, and should be out among 
your sister flowers,” said Thistle, as he lay idly 
in the shadow of the tree. 

“My little bud is not yet strong enough to 
venture forth,” replied the rose, as she bent 
fondly over it; “the sunlight and the rain 
would blight her tender form, were she to blos- 
som now, but soon she will be fit to bear them ; 
till then she is content to rest beside her 
mother, and to wait.” 

“You silly flower,” said Thistledown, “see 
how quickly I will make you bloom ! your wait- 
ing is all useless.” And speaking thus, he 
pulled rudely apart the folded leaves, and laid 
them open to the sun and air; while the rose 
mother implored the cruel Fairy to leave her 
little bud untouched. 

“It is my first, my only one,” said she, “and 
I have watched over it with such care, hoping 
it would soon bloom beside me ; and now you 
have destroyed it. How could you harm the 
little helpless one, that never did aught to in- 
jure you?” And while her tears fell like sum- 
mer rain, she drooped in grief above the little 
bud, and sadly watched it fading in the sun- 
light ; but Thistledown, heedless of the sorrow 
he had given, spread his wings and flew away. 
Soon the sky grew dark, and heavy drops be- 
gan to fall. Then Thistle hastened to the lily, 
for her cup was deep, and the white leaves fell 
like curtains over the fragrant bed ; he was a 
dainty little Elf, and could not sleep among 


FLOWER FABLES. 


59 


the clovers and bright buttercups. But when 
he asked the flower to unfold her leaves and 
take him in, she turned her pale, soft face 
away, and answered sadly, “I must shield my 
little drooping sisters whom you have harmed, 
and cannot let you in.” 

Then Thistledown was very angry, and 
turned to find shelter among the stately roses ; 
but they showed their sharp thorns and, while 
their rosy faces glowed with anger, told him 
to begone, or they would repay him for the 
wrong he had done their gentle kindred. 

He would have stayed to harm them, but the 
rain fell fast, and he hurried away, saying, 
“The tulips will take me in, for I have praised 
their beauty, and they are vain and foolish 
flowers. ” 

But when he came, all wet and cold, praying 
for shelter among their thick leaves, they only 
laughed, and said scornfully, “We know you, 
and will not let you in, for you are false and 
cruel, and will only bring us sorrow. You 
need not come to us for another mantle, when 
the rain has spoiled your fine one ; and do not 
stay here, or we will do you harm.” 

Then they waved their broad leaves storm- 
ily, and scattered the heavy drops on his drip- 
ping garments. 

“Now must I go to the humble daisies and 
blue violets,” said Thistle, “they will be glad 
to let in so fine a Fairy, and I shall die in this 
cold wind and rain.” 

So away he flew, as fast as his heavy wings 
would bear him, to the daisies; but they nod- 


60 


FLOWER FABLES. 


ded their heads wisely, and closed their leaves 
yet closer, saying sharply : 

“Go away with yourself, and do not imagine 
we will open our leaves to you, and spoil our 
seeds by letting in the rain. It serves you 
rightly; to gain our love and confidence, and 
repay it by such cruelty! You will find no 
shelter here for one whose careless hand 
wounded our little friend Violet, and broke the 
truest heart that ever beat in a flower’s breast. 
We are very angry with you, wicked Fairy; 
go away and hide yourself. ’ ’ 

“Ah,” cried the shivering Elf, “where can I 
find shelter? I will go to the violets ; they will 
forgive and take me in.” 

But the daisies had spoken truly; the gentle 
little flower was dead, and her blue-eyed sis- 
ters were weeping bitterly over her faded 
leaves. 

“Now I have no friends,’’ sighed poor This- 
tledown, “and must die of cold. Ah, if I had 
but minded Lily-Bell, I might now be dream- 
ing beneath some flower’s leaves.” 

“Others can forgive and love beside Lily- 
Bell and Violet,” said a faint, sweet voice; “I 
have no little bud to shelter now, and you can 
enter here.” It was the rose mother that 
spoke, and Thistle saw how pale the bright 
leaves had grown, and how the slender stem 
was bowed. Grieved, ashamed and wondering 
at the flower’s forgiving words, he laid his 
weary head on her bosom he had filled with 
sorrow, and the fragrant leaves were folded 
carefully about him. 


FLOWER FABLES. 


61 


But he could find no rest. The rose strove 
to comfort him ; but when she fancied he was 
sleeping, thoughts of her lost bud stole in, and 
the little heart beat so sadly where he lay, that 
no sleep came ; while the bitter tears he had 
caused to flow fell more coldly on him than the 
rain without. Then he heard the other flow- 
ers whispering among themselves of his cru- 
elty, and the sorrow he had brought to their 
happy home; and many wondered how the 
rose, who had suffered most, could yet forgive 
and shelter him. 

“Never could I forgive one who had robbed 
me of my children. I could blow my head and 
die, but could give no happiness to one who 
had taken all my own,” said Hyacinth, bend- 
ing fondly over the little ones that blossomed 
by her side. 

“Dear Violet is not the only one who will 
leave us,” sobbed little Mignonette; “the rose 
mother will fade like her little bud, and we 
shall lose our gentlest teacher. Her last les- 
son is forgiveness ; let us show our love for her, 
and the gentle stranger Lily-Bell, by allowing 
no unkind word or thought of him who has 
brought us all this grief. ’ ’ 

The angry words were hushed, and through 
the long night nothing was heard but the 
dropping of the rain, and the low sighs of the 
rose. 

Soon the sunlight came again, and with it 
Lily-Bell, seeking for Thistledown; but he 
was ashamed, and stole away. 

When the flowers told their sorrow to kind- 


62 


FLOWER FABLES. 


hearted Lily-Bell, she wept bitterly at the pain 
her friend had given, and with loving words 
strove to comfort those whom he had grieved ; 
with gentle care she healed the wounded birds, 
and watched above the flowers he had harmed, 
bringing each day dew and sunlight to refresh 
and strengthen, till all were well again; and 
though sorrowing for their dead friends, still 
they forgave Thistle for the sake of her who 
had done so much for them. Thus, ere long, 
buds fairer than that she had lost lay on the 
rose mother’s breast, and for all she had suf- 
fered she was well repaid by the love of Lily- 
Bell and her sister flowers. 

And when bird, bee, and blossom were 
strong and fair again, the gentle Fairy said 
farewell, and flew away to seek her friend, 
leaving behind many grateful hearts, who owed 
their joy and life to her. 

Meanwhile, over hill and dale went Thistle- 
down, and for a time was kind and gentle to 
every living thing. He missed sadly the little 
friend who had left her happy home to watch 
over him, but he was too proud to own his 
fault, and so went on, hoping she would find 
him. 

One day he fell asleep, and when he woke 
the sun had set, and the dew began to fall ; the 
flower cups were closed, and he had nowhere 
to go, till a friendly little bee, belated by his 
heavy load of honey, bid the weary Fairy 
come with him. 

“Help me to bear my honey home, and you 
can stay with us to-night,’’ he kindly said. 


FLOWER FABLES. 


63 


So Thistle gladly went with him, where 
among the fairest flowers stood the hive, cov- 
ered with vines and overhung with blossoming 
trees. Glow-worms stood at the door to light 
them home, and as they passed in the Fairy 
thought how charming it must be to dwell in 
such a lovely place. The floor of wax was pure 
and white as marble, while the walls were 
formed of golden honeycomb, and the air was 
fragrant with the breath of flowers. 

“You cannot see our Queen to-night,” said 
the little bee, “but I will show you to a bed 
where you can rest. ’ * 

And he led the tired Fairy to a little cell, 
where on a bed of flower leaves he folded his 
wings and fell asleep. 

As the first ray of sunlight stole in, he was 
awakened by sweet music. It was the morning 
song of the bees. 

“Awake! awake! for the earliest gleam 
Of golden sunlight shines 
On the rippling waves that brightly flow 
Beneath the flowering vines. 

Awake ! awake ! for the low, sweet chant 
Of the wild-birds' morning hymn 
Comes floating by on the fragrant air, 

Through the forest cool and dim ; 

Then spread each wing, 

And work, and sing, 

Through the long, bright sunny hours ; 

O’er the pleasant earth 
We journey forth. 

For a day among the flowers. 

“Awake! awake! for the summer wind 
Hath bidden the blossoms unclose, 

Hath opened the violet’s soft blue eye, 


€4 


FLOWER FABLES. 


And wakened the sleeping rose. 

And lightly they wave on their slender stems, 
Fragrant, and fresh, and fair, 

Waiting for us, as we singing come 
To gather our honey-dew there. 

Then spread each wing. 

And work, and sing, 

Through the long, bright sunny hours ; 

O’er the pleasant earth 
We journey forth, 

For a day among the flowers.” 

Soon his friend came to bid him rise, as the 
Queen desired to speak with him. So, with 
his purple mantle thrown gracefully over his 
shoulder, and his little cap held respectfully in 
his hand, he followed Nimble-Wing to the great 
hall, where the Queen was being served by her 
little pages. Some bore her fresh dew and 
honey, some fanned her with fragrant flower 
leaves, while others scattered the sweetest per- 
fumes on the air. 

“Little Fairy,” said the Queen, “you are 
welcome to my palace; and we will gladly 
have you stay with us, if you will obey our 
laws. We do not spend the pleasant summer 
days in idleness and pleasure, but each one 
labors for the happiness and good of all. If 
our home is beautiful, we have made it so by 
industry; and here, as one large, loving fam- 
ily, we dwell ; no sorrow, care, or discord can 
enter in, while all obey the voice of her who 
seeks to be a wise and gentle Queen to them. 
If you will stay with us, we will teach you 
many things. Order, patience, industry, who 


FLOWER FABLES. 


65 


can teach so well as they who are the emblems 
of these virtues? 

“Our laws are few and simple. You must 
each day gather your share of honey, see that 
your cell is sweet and fresh, as you yourself 
must be ; rise with the sun, and with him to 
sleep. You must harm no flower in doing your 
work, nor take more than your just share of 
honey ; for they so kindly give us food, it were 
most cruel to treat them with aught save gen- 
tleness and gratitude. Now will you stay with 
us, and learn what even mortals seek to know, 
that labor brings true happiness?” 

And Thistle said he would stay and dwell 
with them; for he was tired of wandering 
alone, and thought he might live here till Lily- 
Bell should come, or till he was weary of the 
kind-hearted bees. Then they took away his 
gay garments, and dressed him like them- 
selves, in the black velvet cloak with golden 
bands across his breast. 

“Now come with us,” they said. So forth 
into the green fields they went, and made 
their breakfast among the dewy flowers ; and 
then till the sun set they flew from bud to 
blossom, singing as they went ; and Thistle for 
a while was happier than when breaking flow- 
ers and harming gentle birds. 

But he soon grew tired of working all day 
in the sun, and longed to be free again. He 
could find no pleasure with the industrious 
bees, and sighed to be away with his idle 
friends the butterflies; so while the others 
worked he slept or played, and then, in haste 

5 Flower Fables 


C6 


FLOWER FABLES. 


to get his share, he tore the flowers, and took 
all they had saved for their own food. Nor 
was this all ; he told such pleasant tales of the 
life he led before he came to live with them, 
that many grew unhappy and discontented, 
and they who had before wished no greater joy 
than the love and praise of their kind Queen, 
now disobeyed and blamed her for all she had 
done for them. 

Long she bore with their unkind words and 
deeds ; and when at length she found it was 
the ungrateful Fairy who had wrought this 
trouble in her quiet kingdom, she strove, with 
sweet, forgiving words, to show him all the 
wrong he had done; but he would not listen, 
and still went on destroying the happiness' of 
those who had done so much for him. 

Then, when she saw that no kindness could 
touch his heart, she said : 

“Thistledown, we took you in, a friendless 
stranger, fed and clothed you, and made our 
home as pleasant to you as we could ; and in 
return for all our care, you have brought dis- 
content and trouble to my subjects, grief and 
care to me. I cannot let my peaceful kingdom 
be disturbed by you ; therefore go and seek 
another home. You may find other friends, 
but none will love you more than we, had you 
been worthy of it; so farewell.” And the 
doors of the once happy home he had dis- 
turbed were closed behind him. 

Then he was very angry, and determined to 
bring some great sorrow on the good Queen. 
So he sought out the idle, willful bees, whom 


FLOWER FABLES. 


67 


he had first made discontented, bidding them 
follow him, and win the honey the Queen had 
stored up for the winter. 

“Let us feast and make merry in the pleas- 
ant summer-time,” said Thistle; “winter is 
far off, why should we waste these lovely days, 
toiling to lay up the food we might enjoy 
now. Come, we will take what we have 
made, and think no more of what the Queen 
has said. ” 

So while the industrious bees were out 
among the flowers, he led the drones to the 
hive, and took possession of the honey, 
destroying and laying waste the home of the 
kind bees; then, fearing that in their grief 
and anger they might harm him, Thistle flew 
away to seek new friends. 

After many wanderings, he came at length 
to a great forest, and here beside a still lake 
he stayed to rest. Delicate wood flowers grew 
near him in the deep green moss, with droop- 
ing heads, as if they listened to the soft wind 
singing among the pines. Bright-eyed birds 
peeped at him from their nests, and many-col- 
ored insects danced above the cool, still lake. 

“This is a pleasant place,” said Thistle; “it 
shall be my home for awhile. Come hither, 
blue dragon fly, I would gladly make a friend 
of you, for I am all alone.” 

The dragon fly folded his shining wings be- 
side the Elf, listened to the tale he told, prom- 
ised to befriend the lonely one, and strove to 
make the forest a happy home to him. 


68 


FLOWER FABLES. 


So here dwelt Thistle, and many kind 
friends gathered round him, for he spoke gen- 
tly to them, and they knew nothing of the 
cruel deeds he had done ; and for awhile he 
was happy and content. But at length he 
grew weary of the gentle birds, and wild flow- 
ers, and sought new pleasure in destroying the 
beauty he was tired of; and soon the friends 
who had so kindly welcomed him looked upon 
him as an evil spirit, and shrunk away as he 
approached. 

At length his friend the dragon fly besought 
him to leave the quiet home he had disturbed. 
Then Thistle was very angry, and while the 
dragon fly was sleeping among the flowers 
that hung over the lake, he led an ugly spider 
to the spot, and bade him weave his nets 
about the sleeping insect, and bind him fast. 
The cruel spider gladly obeyed the ungrateful 
Fairy; and soon the poor fly could move 
neither leg nor wing. Then Thistle flew away 
through the wood, leaving sorrow and trouble 
behind him. 

He had not journeyed far before he grew 
weary, and lay down to rest. Long he slept, 
and when he awoke, and tried to rise, his 
hands and wings were bound; while beside 
him stood two strange little figures, with dark 
faces and garments that rustled like withered 
leaves; who cried to him, as he struggled to 
get free : 

“Lie still, you naughty Fairy, you are in the 
Brownies’ power, and shall be well punished 
for your cruelty ere we let you go.” 


FLOWER FABLES. 


69 


So poor Thistle lay sorrowfully, wondering 
what would come of it, and wishing Lily-Bell 
would come to help and comfort him ; but he 
had left her, and she could not help him now. 

Soon a troop of Brownies came rustling 
through the air, and gathered round him, 
while one who wore an acorn cup on his head, 
and was their King, said, as he stood beside 
the trembling Fairy: 

“You have done many cruel things, and 
caused much sorrow to happy hearts ; now you 
are in my power, and I shall keep you pris- 
oner till you have repented. You cannot dwell 
on the earth without harming the fair things 
given you to enjoy, so you shall live alone in 
solitude and darkness, till you have learned to 
find happiness in gentle deeds, and forget your- 
self in giving joy to others. When you have 
learned this, I will set you free.” 

Then the Brownies bore him to a high, dark 
rock, and, entering a little door, led him to a 
small cell, dimly lighted by a crevice through 
which came a single gleam of sunlight; and 
there, through long, long days, poor Thistle 
sat alone, and gazed with wistful eyes at the 
little opening, longing to be out on the green 
earth. No one came to him but the silent 
Brownies who brought his daily food ; and with 
bitter tears he wept for Lily-Bell, mourning 
his cruelty and selfishness, seeking to do some 
kindly deed that might atone for his wrong- 
doing. 

A little vine that grew outside his prison 
rock came creeping up, and looked in through 


70 


FLOWER FABLES. 


the crevice as if to cheer the lonely Fairy, who 
welcomed it most gladly, and daily sprinkled 
its soft leaves with his small share of water, 
that the little vine might live, even if it dark- 
ened more and more his dim cell. 

The watchful Brownies saw this kind deed, 
and brought him fresh flowers, and many 
things, which Thistle gratefully received, 
though he never knew it was his kindness to 
the vine that gained for him these pleasures. 
Thus did poor Thistle strive to be more gen- 
tle and unselfish, and grew daily happier and 
better. 

Now while Thistledown was a captive in the 
lonely cell, Lily-Bell was seeking him far and 
wide, and sadly traced him by the sorrowing 
hearts he had left behind. 

She healed the drooping flowers, cheered the 
Queen Bee’s grief, brought back her discon- 
tented subjects, restored the home to peace 
and order, and left them blessing her. 

Thus she journeyed on, till she reached the 
forest where Thistledown had lost his free- 
dom. She unbound the starving dragon fly, 
and tended the wounded birds ; but though all 
learned to love her, none could tell where the 
Brownies had borne her friend, till a little 
wind came whispering by and told her that a 
sweet voice had been heard singing Fairy 
songs, deep in a moss-grown rock. 

Then Lily-Bell went seeking through the 
forest, listening for the voice. Long she 
looked and listened in vain ; when one day, as 
she was wandering through a lonely dell, she 


FLOWER FABLES. 


71 


heard a faint, low sound of music, and soon a 
distant voice mournfully singing: 

“Bright shines the summer sun, 

Soft is the summer air ; 

Gayly the wood-birds sing, 

Flowers are blooming fair. 

“But, deep in the dark, cold rock, 

Sadly I dwell, 

Longing for thee, dear friend, 

Lily-Bell! Lily-Bell!” 

“Thistle, dear Thistle, where are you?” joy- 
fully cried Lily- Bell, as she flew from rock to 
rock. But the voice was still, and she would 
have looked in vain, had she not seen a little 
vine, whose green leaves fluttering to and fro 
seemed beckoning her to come; and as she 
stood among its flowers she sang : 

“Through sunlight and summer air 
I have sought for thee long, 

Guided by birds and flowers, 

And now by thy song. 

' ' Thistled own ! Thistledown l 
O’er hill and dell 
Hither to comfort thee 
Comes Lily-Bell.” 

Then from the vine leaves two little arms 
were stretched out to her, and Thistledown 
was found. So Lily- Bell made her home in 
the shadow of the vine, and brought such joy 
to Thistle that his lonely cell seemed pleas- 
anter to him than all the world beside; and he 


72 


FLOWER FABLES. 


grew daily more like his gentle friend. But 
it did not last long, for one day she did not 
come. He watched and waited long for the 
little face that used to peep smiling in through 
the vine leaves. He called and beckoned 
through the narrow opening, but no Lily- Bell 
answered; and he wept sadly as he thought of 
all she had* done for him, and that now he 
could not go to seek and help her, for he had 
lost his freedom by his own cruel and wicked 
deeds. 

At last he besought the silent Brownie earn- 
estly to tell him whither she had gone. 

“O let me go to her,” prayed Thistle; “if 
she is in sorrow I will comfort her, and show 
my gratitude for all she has done for me: 
dear Brownie, set me free, and when she is 
found I will come and be your prisoner 
again. I will bear and suffer any danger for 
her sake. ” 

“Lily-Bell is safe,” replied the Brownie; 
“come, you shall hear the trial that awaits 
you. ” 

Then he led the wondering Fairy from his 
prison to a group of tall, drooping ferns, be- 
neath whose shade a large white lily had been 
placed, forming a little tent, within which, on 
a couch of thick green moss, lay Lily-Bell in 
a deep sleep; the sunlight stole softly in, and 
all was cool and still. 

“You cannot wake her,” said the Brownie, 
as Thistle folded his arms tenderly about her. 
“It is a magic slumber, and she will not 
wake till you shall bring hither gifts from the 



“ Thistle folded his arms about her.”— Page 72. 

Flower Fables. 































































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FLOWER FABLES. 


73 


Earth, Air and Water Spirits. ’Tis a long* 
and weary task, for you have made no friends 
to help you, and will have to seek for them 
alone. This is the trial we shall give you ; 
and if your love for Lily-Bell be strong enough 
to keep you from all cruelty and selfishness, 
and make you kind and loving as you should 
be, she will awake to welcome you, and love 
you still more fondly than before.” 

Then Thistle, with a last look on the little 
friend he loved so well, set forth alone to his 
long task. 

The home of the Earth Spirits was the first 
to find, and no one would tell him where to 
look. So far and wide he wandered, through 
gloomy forests and among lonely hills, with 
none to cheer him when sad and weary, none 
to guide him on his way. 

On he went, thinking of Lily-Bell, and for 
her sake bearing all ; for in his quiet prison 
many gentle feelings and kindly thoughts had 
sprung up in his heart, and he now strove to 
be friends with all, and win for himself the 
love and confidence of those whom once he 
sought to harm and cruelly destroy. 

But few believed him ; for they remembered 
his false promises and evil deeds, and would 
not trust him now; so poor Thistle found few 
to love or care for him. 

Long he wandered, and carefully he sought, 
but could not find the Earth Spirits’ home. 
And when at length he reached the pleasant 
garden where he and Lily- Bell first parted, he 
said within himself: 


74 


FLOWER FABLES. 


“Here I will stay awhile, and try to win by 
kindly deeds the flowers’ forgiveness for the 
pain and sorrow I brought them long ago ; and 
they may learn to love and trust me. So, 
oven if I never find the Spirits, I shall be 
worthier Lily-Bell’s affections if I strive to 
atone for the wrong I have done.” 

Then he went among the flowers, but they 
closed their leaves, and shrank away, tremb- 
ling with fear; while the birds fled to hide 
among the leaves as he passed. 

This grieved poor Thistle, and he longed to 
tell them how changed he had become; but 
they would not listen. So he tried to show, by 
quiet deeds of kindness, that he meant no 
harm to them; and soon the kind-hearted 
birds pitied the lonely Fairy, and when he 
came near sang cheering songs, and dropped 
ripe berries in his path, for he no longer broke 
their eggs, or hurt their little ones. 

And when the flowers saw this, and found 
the once cruel Elf now watering and tending 
little buds, feeding hungry insects, and help- 
ing the busy ants to bear their heavy loads, 
they shared the pity of the birds, and longed 
to trust him ; but they dared not yet. 

He came one day, while wandering through 
the garden, to the little rose he had once 
harmed so sadly. Many buds now bloomed 
beside her, and her soft face glowed with 
motherly pride as she bent fondly over them. 
But when Thistle came, he saw with sorrow 
how she bade them close their green curtains, 
and conceal themselves beneath the leaves, for 


FLOWER FABLES. 


75 


there was danger near; and, drooping still 
more closely over them, she seemed to wait 
with trembling fear the cruel Fairy’s coming. 

But no rude hand tore her little ones away, 
no unkind words were spoken; but a soft 
shower of dew fell lightly on them, and This- 
tle, bending tenderly above them, said: 

“Dear flower, forgive the sorrow I once 
brought you, and trust me now for Lily- Bell’s 
sake. Her gentleness has changed my cruelty 
to kindness, and I would gladly repay all for 
the harm I have done; but none will love and 
trust me now. ’’ 

Then the little rose looked up, and while 
the dew-drops shone like happy tears upon 
her leaves she said: 

“I will love and trust you, Thistle, for you 
are indeed much changed. Make your home 
among us, and my sister flowers will soon learn 
to love you as you deserve. Not for sweet 
Lily-Bell’s sake, but for your own, will I 
become your friend; for you are kind and gen- 
tle now, and worthy of our love. Look up, 
my little ones, there is no danger near; look 
up, and welcome Thistle to our home.” 

Then the little buds raised their rosy faces, 
danced again upon their stems, and nodded 
kindly at Thistle, who smiled on them through 
happy tears, and kissed the sweet, forgiving 
rose, who loved and trusted him when most 
forlorn and friendless. 

But the other flowers wondered among 
themselves, and Hyacinth said: 

“If Rose-Leaf is his friend, surely we may 


76 


FLOWER FABLES. 


be; yet still I fear he may soon grow weary of 
this gentleness, and be again the wicked Fairy 
he once was, and we shall suffer for our kind- 
ness to him now.” 

‘‘Ah, do not doubt him!” cried warm- 
hearted little Mignonette; ‘‘surely some good 
spirit has changed the wicked Thistle into this 
good little Elf. See how tenderly he lifts 
aside the leaves that overshadow pale Hare- 
bell, and listen now how softly he sings as he 
rocks little Eglantine to sleep. He has done 
many friendly things, though none save Rose- 
Leaf has been kind to him, and he is very sad. 
Last night when I awoke to draw my curtains 
closer, he sat weeping in the moonlight, so 
bitterly, I longed to speak a kindly word to 
him. Dear sisters, let us trust him.” 

And they all said little Mignonette was 
right; and, spreading wide their leaves, they 
bade him come, and drink their dew, and lie 
among the fragrant petals, striving to cheer 
his sorrow. Thistle told them all, and, after 
much whispering together, they said : 

‘‘Yes, we will help you find the Earth Spirits, 
for you are striving to be good, and for love 
of Lily-Bell we will do much for you.” 

So they called a little bright-eyed mole, and 
said, ‘‘Downy-Back, we have given you a 
pleasant home among our roots, and you are a 
grateful little friend ; so will you guide dear 
Thistle to the Earth Spirits’ home?” 

Downy-Back said “Yes,” and Thistle, thank- 
ing the kindly flowers, followed his little guide 
through long, dark galleries, deeper and 


FLOWER FABLES. 


77 


deeper into the ground; while a glow-worm 
flew before to light the way. On they went, 
and after a while, reached a path lit up by 
bright jewels hung upon the walls. Here 
Downy-Back, and Glimmer, the glow-worm, 
left him, saying: 

“We can lead you no further; you must now 
go on alone, and the music of the Spirits will 
guide you to their home.” 

Then they went quickly up the winding 
path, and Thistle, guided by the sweet music, 
went on alone. 

He soon reached a lovely spot, whose golden 
halls were bright with jewels, which sparkled 
brightly, and threw many-colored shadows on 
the shining garments of the little Spirits, who 
danced below to the melody of soft, silvery 
bells. 

Long Thistle stood watching the brilliant 
forms that flashed and sparkled round him; 
but he missed the flowers and the sunlight, 
and rejoiced that he was not an Earth Spirit. 

“At last they spied him out, and, gladly 
welcoming him, bade him join in their dance. 
But Thistledown was too sad for that, and 
when he told them all his story they no longer 
urged, but sought to comfort him; and one 
whom they called little Sparkle (for her crown 
and robe shone with the brightest diamonds), 
said: “You will have to work for us, ere you 
can win a gift to show the Brownies ; do you 
see those golden bells that make such music 
as we wave them to and fro? We worked long 
and hard ere they were won, and you can win 


78 


FLOWER FABLES. 


one of those if you will do the task we give 
you. ’ ’ 

And Thistle said, “No task will be too hard 
for me to do for dear Lily-Bell’s sake.” 

Then they led him to a strange, dark place, 
lit up with torches; where troops of Spirits 
flew busily to and fro, among damp rocks, and 
through dark galleries that led far down into 
the earth. “What do they here?” asked 
Thistle. 

“I will tell,” replied little Sparkle, “for once 
I worked here myself. Some of them watch 
above the flower-roots, and keep them fresh 
and strong; others gather the clear drops that 
trickle from the damp rocks, and form a little 
spring, which, growing ever larger, rises to the 
light above, and gushes forth in some green 
field or lonely forest where the wild birds come 
to drink, and wood flowers spread their thirsty 
leaves above the clear, cool waves, as they go 
dancing away, carrying joy and freshness 
wherever they go. Others shape the bright 
jewels into lovely forms, and make the good- 
luck pennies which we give to mortals whom 
we love. And here you must toil till the gold- 
en flower is won. ’ ’ 

Then Thistle went among the Spirits, and 
joined in their tasks; he tended the flower 
roots, gathered the water-drops, and formed 
the good-luck pennies. Long and hard he 
worked, and was often sad and weary, often 
tempted by unkind and selfish thoughts; but 
he thought of Lily-Bell, and strove to be kind 
and loving as she had been; and soon the 


FLOWER FABLES. 


79 

Spirits learned to love the patient Fairy, who 
had left his home to toil among them for the 
sake of his gentle friend. 

At length came little Sparkle to him, saying, 
“Yon have done enough ; come now, and dance 
and feast with us, for the golden flower is 
won.” 

But Thistle could not stay, for half his task 
was not yet done ; and he longed for sunlight 
and Lily- Bell. So, taking a kind farewell, he 
hastened through the torch-lit path up to the 
light again; and, spreading his wings, flew 
over hill and dale till he reached the forest 
where Lily-Bell lay sleeping. 

It was early morning, and the rosy light 
shone brightly through the lily-leaves upon 
her, as Thistle entered, and laid his first gift 
at the Brownie King’s feet. 

“You have done well,’’ said he, “we hear 
good tidings of you from bird and flower, and 
you are truly seeking to repair the evil you 
have done. Take now one look at your little 
friend, and then go forth to seek from the Air 
Spirits your second gift.’’ 

Then Thistle said farewell again to Lily- Bell, 
and flew far and wide among the clouds, seek- 
ing the Air Spirits; but though he wandered till 
his weary wings could bear him no longer, it 
was in vain. So, faint and sad, he lay down 
to rest on a broad vine leaf that fluttered gently 
in the wind and as he lay, he saw beneath him 
the home of the kind bees whom he had so 
disturbed, and Lily-Bell had helped and com- 
forted. 


€0 


FLOWER FABLES. 


“I will seek to win their pardon, and show 
them that I am no longer the cruel Fairy who 
so harmed them,” thought Thistle, “and when 
they become my friends, I will ask their help 
to find the Air Spirits; and if I deserve it, they 
will gladly aid me on my way.” 

So he flew down into the field below, and 
hastened busily from flower to flower, till he 
had filled a tiny blue-bell with sweet, fresh 
honey. Then he stole swiftly to the hive, and, 
placing it near the door, concealed himself to 
watch. Soon his friend Nimble-Wing came 
flying home, and when he spied the little cup, 
he hummed with joy, and called his compan- 
ions around him. 

“Surely, some good Elf has placed it here 
for us,” said they; “let us bear it to the 
Queen ; it is so fresh and fragrant it will be a 
fit gift for her;” and they joyfully took it in, 
little dreaming who had placed it there. 

So each day Thistle filled a flower-cup, and 
laid it at the door; and each day the bees won- 
dered more and more, for many strange things 
happened. The field-flowers told of the good 
spirit who watched above them, and the birds 
sang of the same kind little Elf bringing soft 
moss for their nest, and food for their hungry 
young ones; while all around the hive had 
grown fairer since the Fairy came. 

But the bees never saw him, for he feared 
he had not yet done enough to win their for- 
giveness and friendship; so he lived alone 
among the vines, daily bringing them honey, 
and doing some kindly action. 


FLOWER FABLES. 


81 


At length, as he lay sleeping in a flower-bell, 
a little bee came wandering by, and knew him 
for the wicked Thistle; so he called his 
friends, and, as they flew murmuring around 
him, he awoke. 

“What shall we do to you, naughty Elf?” 
said they. “You are in our power, and we 
will sting you if you are not still.” 

“Let us close the flower leaves around him 
and leave him here to starve,” cried one, who 
had not yet forgotten all the sorrow Thistle 
had caused them long ago. 

“No, no, that were very cruel, dear Buzz,” 
said little Hum ; “let us take him to our Queen 
and she will tell us how to show our anger for 
the wicked deeds he did. See how bitterly he 
weeps; be kind to him, he will not harm us 
more. ” 

“You good little Hum ! ” cried a kind-hearted 
robin who had hopped near to listen to the 
bees. “Dear friends, do you not know that 
this is the good Fairy who has dwelt so quietly 
among us, watching over bird and blossom, 
giving joy to all he helps? It is he who brings 
the honey-cup each day to you, and then goes 
silently away, that you may never know who 
works so faithfully for you. Be kind to him, 
for if he has done wrong, he has repented of 
it, as you may see.” 

“Can this be naughty Thistle?” said Nimble- 
Wing. 

“Yes, it is I,” said Thistle, “but no longer 
cruel and unkind. I have tried to win your 
love by patient industry. Ah, trust me now, 

6 Flower Fables 


82 


FLOWER FABLES. 


and you shall see I am not naughty Thistle any 
more. ’ ’ 

Then the wondering bees led him to their 
Queen, and when he had told his tale, and 
begged their forgiveness, it was gladly given ; 
and all strove to show him that he was loved 
and trusted. Then he asked if they could tell 
him where the Air Spirits dwelt, for he must 
not forget dear Lily-Bell; and to his great 
joy the Queen said, “Yes,” and bade little 
Hum guide Thistle to Cloud-Land. 

Little Hum joyfully obeyed; and Thistle 
followed him, as he flew higher and higher 
among the soft clouds, till in the distance they 
saw a radiant light. 

“There is their home, and I must leave you 
now, dear Thistle,” said the little bee; and, 
bidding him farewell, he flew singing back ; 
while Thistle, following the light, soon found 
himself in the Air Spirits’ home. 

The sky was gold and purple like an autumn 
sunset, and long walls of brilliant clouds lay 
round him. A rosy light shone through the 
silver mist, on gleaming columns and the rain- 
bow roof; soft, fragrant winds went whisper- 
ing by, and airy little forms were flitting to 
and fro. 

Long Thistle wondered at the beauty round 
him; and then he went among the shining 
Spirits, told his tale, and asked a gift. 

But they answered like the Earth Spirits. 
“You must serve us first, and then we will 
gladly give you a robe of sunlight like our 
own.” 


FLOWER FABLES. 


83 


And they told him how they wafted flower 
seeds over the earth, to beautify and brighten 
lonely spots ; how they watched above the blos- 
soms by day, and scattered dews at night, 
brought sunlight into darkened places, and 
soft winds to refresh and cheer. 

“These are the things we do,” said they, 
“and you must aid us for a time.” 

And Thistle gladly went with the lovely 
Spirits; by day he joined the sunlight and the 
breeze in their silent work; by night, with 
Starlight and her sister spirits, he flew over 
the moonlit earth, dropping cool dew upon the 
folded flowers, and bringing happy dreams to 
sleeping mortals. Many a kind deed was done, 
many a gentle word was spoken; and each day 
lighter grew his heart, and stronger his power 
of giving joy to others. 

At length Star-light bade him work no more, 
and gladly gave him the gift he had won. 
Then his second task was done, and he flew 
gayly back to the green earth and slumbering 
Lily-Bell. 

The silvery moonlight shone upon her, as he 
came to give his second gift; and the Brownie 
spoke more kindly than before. 

“One more trial, Thistle, and she will 
awake. Go bravely forth and win your last 
and hardest gift. ’’ 

Then with a light heart Thistle journeyed 
away to the brooks and rivers, seeking the 
Water Spirits. But he looked in vain; till, 
wandering through the forest where the 


84 


FLOWER FABLES. 


Brownies took him captive, he stopped beside 
the quiet lake. 

As he stood here he heard a sound of pain, 
and, looking in the tall grass at his side, he 
saw the dragon-fly whose kindness he once re- 
paid by pain and sorrow, and who now lay 
suffering and alone. 

Thistle bent tenderly beside him, saying, 
“Dear Flutter, do not fear me. I will gladly 
ease your pain, if you will let me ; I am your 
friend, and long to show you how I grieve for 
all the wrong I did you, when you were so 
kind to me. Forgive, and let me help and 
comfort you. ’ ’ 

Then he bound up the broken wing, and 
spoke so tenderly that Flutter doubted him no 
longer, and was his friend again. 

Day by day did Thistle watch beside him, 
making little beds of cool, fresh moss for him 
to rest upon, fanning him when he slept, and 
singing sweet songs to cheer him when awake. 
And often when poor Flutter longed to be 
dancing once again over the blue waves, the 
Fairy bore him in his arms to the lake, and on 
a broad leaf, with a green flag for a sail, they 
floated on the still water ; while the dragon-fly’s 
companions flew about them, playing merry 
games. 

At length the broken wing was well, and 
Thistle said he must again seek the Water 
Spirits. “I can tell you where to find them,” 
said Flutter; “you must follow yonder little 
brook, and it will lead you to the sea, where 
the Spirits dwell. I would gladly do more for 


FLOWER FABLES. 


85 


you, dear Thistle, but I cannot, for they live 
deep beneath the waves. You will find some 
kind friend to aid you on your way; and so 
farewell. “ 

Thistle followed the little brook, as it flowed 
through field and valley, growing ever larger, 
till it reached the sea. Here the wind blew 
freshly, and the great waves rolled and broke 
at Thistle’s feet, as he stood upon the shore, 
watching the billows dancing and sparkling in 
the sun. 

“How shall I find the Spirits in this great 
sea, with none to help or guide me? Yet it is 
my last task, and for Lily- Bell’s sake I must 
not fear or falter now, ’ ’ said Thistle. So he 
flew hither and thither over the sea, looking 
through the waves. Soon he saw, far below, 
the branches of the coral tree. 

“They must be here, ’’ thought he, and, fold- 
ing his wings, he plunged into the deep, cold 
sea. But he saw only fearful monsters, and 
dark shapes that gathered round him; and, 
trembling with fear, he struggled up again. 

The great waves tossed him to and fro, and 
cast him bruised and faint upon the shore. 
Here he lay weeping bitterly, till a voice be- 
side him said, “Poor little Elf, what has befal- 
len you? These rough waves are not fit play- 
mates for so delicate a thing as you. Tell me 
your sorrow, and I will comfort you.’’ 

And Thistle, looking up, saw a white sea- 
bird at his side, who tried with friendly words 
to cheer him. So he told all his wanderings, 
and how he sought the Sea Spirits. 


86 


FLOWER FABLES. 


“Surely, if bee and blossom do their part to 
help you, birds should aid you, too, ’ ’ said he 
Sea-bird. “I will call my friend, the Nauti- 
lus, and he will bear you safely to the Coral 
Palace where the Spirits dwell. ’ ’ So, spread- 
ing his great wings, he flew away, and soon 
Thistle saw a little boat some dancing over the 
waves, and wait beside the shore for him. 

In he sprang. Nautilus raised his little sail 
to the wind, and the light boat glided swiftly 
over the blue sea. At last Thistle cried, “I 
see lovely arches far below; let me go, it is the 
Spirits’ home. 

“Nay, close your eyes, and trust to me. I 
will bear you safely down,’’ said Nautilus. 

So Thistle closed his eyes, and listened to 
the murmur of the sea, as they sank slowly 
through the waves. The soft sound lulled him 
to sleep, and when he awoke the boat was 
gone, and he stood among the Water Spirits, 
in their strange and lovely home. 

Lofty arches of snow-white coral bent above 
him, and the walls of brightly tinted shells 
were wreathed with lovely sea flowers, and the 
sunlight shining on the waves cast silvery 
shadows on the ground, where sparkling stones 
glowed in the sand. A cool, fresh wind swept 
through the waving garlands of bright sea- 
moss, and the distant murmur of dashing waves 
came softly on the air. Soon troops of grace- 
ful Spirits flitted by, and when they found the 
wandering Elf, they gathered round him, 
bringing pearl shells heaped with precious 
stones, and all the rare, strange gifts that lie 


FLOWER FABLES. 


87 


beneath the sea. But Thistle wished for none 
of these, and when his tale was told, the kindly 
Spirits pitied him and little Pearl sighed, as 
she told him of the long and weary task he 
must perform, ere he could win a crown of 
snow-white pearls like those they wore. But 
Thistle had gained strength and courage in his 
wanderings, and did not falter now, when they 
led him to a place among the coral-workers, 
and told him he must labor here, till the 
spreading branches reached the light and air, 
through the waves that danced above. 

With a patient hope that he might yet be 
worthy of Lily- Bell, the Fairy left the lovely 
spirits and their pleasant home, to toil among 
the coral-builders, where all was strange and 
dim. Long, long he worked; but still the 
waves rolled far above them, and his task was 
not yet done; and many bitter tears poor 
Thistle shed, and sadly he pined for air and 
sunlight, the voice of birds, and breath of flow- 
ers. Often, folded in the magic garments 
which the Spirits gave him, that he might pass 
unharmed among the fearful creatures dwell- 
ing there, he rose to the surface of the sea, 
and, gliding through the waves, gazed long- 
ingly upon the hills, now looking blue and dim 
so far away, or watched the flocks of summer 
birds, journeying to a 'warmer land ; and they 
brought sad memories of green old forests and 
sunny fields, to the lonely little Fairy floating 
on the great, wild sea. 

Day after day went by, and slowly Thistle’s 
task drew toward an end. Busily toiled the 


88 


FLOWER FABLES. 


coral workers, but more busily toiled he ; insect 
and Spirit daily wondered more and more at 
the industry and patience of the silent little 
Elf, who had a friendly word for all though he 
never joined them in their sport. 

Higher and higher grew the coral boughs, 
and lighter grew the Fairy’s heart, while 
thoughts of dear Lily- Bell cheered him on, as 
day by day he steadily toiled; and when at 
length the sun shone on his work, and it was 
done, he stayed but to take the garland he had 
won, and to thank the good Spirits for their 
love and care. Then up through the cold, blue 
waves he swiftly glided, and, shaking the 
bright drops from his wings, soared singing up 
to the sunny sky. 

On through the fragrant air went Thistle, 
looking with glad face upon the fair, fresh 
earth below, where flowers looked smiling up, 
and green trees bowed their graceful heads as 
if to welcome him. Soon the forest where 
Lily- Bell lay sleeping rose before him, and as 
he passed along the cool, dim wood paths, never 
had they seemed so fair. 

But when he came where his little friend had 
slept, it was no longer the dark, silent spot 
where he last saw her. Garlands hung from 
every tree, and the fairest flowers filled the air 
with their sweet breath. Birds’ gay voices 
echoed far and wide, and the little brook went 
singing by beneath the arching ferns that bent 
above it ; green leaves rustled in the summer 
wind, and the air was full of music. But the 
fairest sight was Lily- Bell, as she lay on the 


FLOWER FABLES. 


89 

couch of velvet moss that Fairy hands had 
spread. The golden flower lay beside her, and 
the glittering robe was folded round her little 
form. The warmest sunlight fell upon her, 
ana the softest breezes lifted her shining hair. 

Happy tears fell fast, as Thistle folded his 
arms around her, crying, “O Lily- Bell, dear 
Lily-Bell, awake! I have been true to you, 
and now my task is done.” 

Then, with a smile, Lily-Bell awoke, and 
looked with wondering eyes upon the beauty 
that had risen round her. 

‘‘Dear Thistle, what mean these fair things, 
and why are we in this lovely place?” 

“Listen, Lily-Bell,” said the Brownie King, 
as he appeared beside her. Bnd then he told 
all that Thistle had done to show his love for 
her; how he had wandered far and wide to 
seek the Fairy gifts, and toiled long and hard 
to win them ; how he had been loving, true and 
tender, when most lonely and forsaken. 

“Bird, bee and blossom have forgiven him, 
and none is more loved and trusted now by all, 
than the once cruel Thistle,” said the King as 
he bent down to the happy Elf, who bowed 
low before him. 

“You have learned the beauty of a gentle, 
kindly heart, dear Thistle ; and you are now 
worthy to become the friend of her for whom 
you have done so much. Place the crown 
upon her head, for she is Queen of all the For- 
est Fairies now. ” 

And as the crown shone on the head that 
Lily-Bell bent down on Thistle’s breast, the 


so 


FLOWER FABLES. 


forest seemed alive with little forms, who 
sprang from flower and leaf, and gathered 
round her, bringing gifts for their new Queen. 

“If I am Queen, then you are King, dear 
Thistle,” said the Fairy. “Take the crown, 
and I will have a wreath of flowers. You have 
toiled and suffered for my sake, and you alone 
should rule over these little Elves whose love 
you have won. ’ ' 

“Keep your crown, Lily-Bell, for yonder 
come the Spirits with their gifts to Thistle,” 
said the Brownie. And, as he pointed with 
his wand, out from among the mossy roots of 
an old tree came trooping the Earth Spirits, 
their flower-bells ringing softly as they came, 
and their jeweled garments glittering in the 
sun. On to where Thistledown stood beneath 
the shadow of the flowers, with Lily-Bell be- 
side him, went the Spirits; and then forth 
sprang little Sparkle, waving a golden flower, 
whose silvery music filled the air. “Dear 
Thistle,” said the shining Spirit, “what you 
toiled so faithfully to win for another, let us 
offer now as a token of our love for you. ’ ’ 

As she ceased, down through the air came 
floating bands of lovely Air Spirits, bringing 
a shining robe, and they too told their love for 
the gentle Fairy who had dwelt with them. 

Then softly on the breeze came distant 
music, growing ever nearer, till over the rip- 
pling waves came the singing Water Spirits, 
in their boats of many-colored shells ; and as 
they placed their glittering crown on Thistle’s 
head, loud rang the flowers, and joyously 


FLOWER FABLES. 


91 


sang the birds, while all the Forest Fairies 
cried, with silvery voices, “Lily-Bell and 
Thistledown ! Long live our King and 
Queen!” 

“Have you a tale for us too, dear Violet- 
Eye?” said the Queen, as Zephyr ceased. 
The little Elf thus named looked from among 
the flower leaves where she sat, and with a 
smile replied, “As I was weaving garlands in 
the field, I heard a primrose tell this tale to 
her friend Golden- Rod. ” 


92 


FLOWER FABLES. 


LITTLE BUD. 

In a great forest, high up among the green 
boughs, lived Bird Brown- Breast, and his 
bright-eyed little mate. They were now very 
happy; their home was done, the four blue 
eggs lay in the soft nest, and the little wife 
sat still and patient on them, while the hus- 
band sang, and told her charming tales, and 
brought her sweet berries and little worms. 

Things went smoothly on, till one day she 
found in the nest a little white egg, with a 
golden band about it. 

“My friend,” cried she, “come and see! 
Where can this fine egg have come from? My 
four are here, and this also ; what think you 
of it?” 

The husband shook his head gravely, and 
said, “Be not alarmed, my love; it is doubt- 
less some good Fairy who has given us this, 
and we shall find some gift within ; do not let 
us touch it, but do you sit carefully upon it, 
and we shall see in time what has been sent 
us.” 

So they said nothing about it, and soon their 
home had four little chirping children; and 
then the white egg opened, and, behold, a lit- 
tle maiden lay singing within. Then how 
amazed were they, and how they welcomed 


FLOWER FABLES. 


93 


her, as she lay warm beneath the mother’s 
wing, and how the young birds did love her. 

Great joy was in the forest, and proud were 
the parents of their family, and still more of 
the little one who had come to them ; while all 
the Neighbors flocked in to see Dame Brown- 
Breast’s little child. And the tiny maiden 
talked to them, and sang so merrily that they 
could have listened forever. Soon she was the 
joy of the whole forest, dancing from tree to 
tree, making every nest her home, and none 
were ever so welcome as little Bud; and so 
they lived right merrily in the green old forest. 

The father now had much to do to supply 
his family with food, and choice morsels did 
he bring little Bud. The wild fruits were her 
food, the fresh dew in the flower-cups her 
drink, while the green leaves served her 
for little robes ; and thus she found garments 
in the flowers of the field, and a happy home 
with Mother Brown-Breast; and all in the 
wood, from the stately trees to the little 
mosses in the turf, were friends to the merry 
child. 

And each day she taught the young birds 
sweet songs, and as their gay music rang 
through the old forest, the stern, dark pines 
ceased their solemn waving, that they Jmight 
hear the soft sounds stealing through the dim 
wood-paths, and mortal children came to 
listen, saying softly, “Hear the flowers sing, 
and touch them not, for the Fairies are here.” 

Then came a band of sad little Elves to Bud, 
praying that they might hear the sweet music; 


94 


FLOWER FABLES. 


and when she took them by the hand, and 
spoke gently to them, they wept and said sadly, 
when she asked them whence they came: 

“We dwelt once in Fairy-Land, and O how 
happy were we then! But, alas! we were not 
worthy of so fair a home, and were sent forth 
into the cold world. Look at our robes, they 
are like the withered leaves; our wings are 
dim, our crowns are gone, and we lead sad, 
lonely lives in this dark forest. Let us stay 
with you; your gay music sounds like Fairy 
songs, and you have such a friendly way with 
you, and speak so gently to us. It is good to 
be near one so lovely and so kind ; and you 
can tell us how we may again become fair and 
innocent. Say we may stay with you, kind 
little maiden.” 

And Bud said, “Yes,” and they stayed; but 
her kind little heart was grieved that thejr 
wept so sadly, and all she could say could not 
make them happy ; till at last she said : 

“Do not weep, and I will go to Queen Dew- 
Drop, and beseech her to let you come back. 
I will tell her that you are repentant, and 
will do anything to gain her love again, that 
you are sad, and long to be forgiven. This 
will I say, and more, and trust she will grant 
my prayer. ’ ’ 

“She will not say no to you dear Bud,” 
said the poor little Fairies; “she will love you 
as we do, and if we can but come again to our 
lost home, we cannot give you thanks enough. 
Go, Bud, and if there be power in Fairy gifts. 


FLOWER FABLES. 


95 


you shall be as happy as our hearts’ best love 
can make you. ” 

The tidings of Bud’s departure flew through 
the forest, and all her friends came to say 
farewell, as with the morning sun she would 
go ; and each brought some little gift, for the 
land of Fairies was far away, and she must 
journey long. 

“Nay, you shall not go on your feet, my 
child,’’ said Mother Brown-Breast; “your 
friend Golden-Wing shall carry you. Call him 
hither, that I may seat you rightly, for if you 
should fall off my heart would break. ’ ’ 

Then up came Golden-Wing, and Bud was 
safely seated on the cushion of violet-leaves ; 
and it was really charming to see her merry 
little face, peeping from under the broad brim 
of her cowslip hat, as her butterfly steed stood 
waving his bright wings in the sunlight. 
Then came the bee with his yellow honey- 
bags, which he begged she would take, and 
the little brown spider that lived under the 
great leaves brought a veil for her hat, and 
besought her to wear it, lest the sun should 
shine too brightly ; while the ant came bringing 
a tiny strawberry, lest she should miss her 
favorite fruit. The mother gave her good 
advice, and the papa stood with his head on 
one side, and his round eyes twinkling with 
delight to think that his little Bud was going 
to Fairy- Land. 

Then they all sang gayly together, till she 
passed out of sight over the hills, and they 
saw her no more. 


FLOWER FABLES. 


96 


And now Bud left the old forest far behind 
her. Golden- Wing bore her swiftly along, 
and she looked down on the green mountains, 
and the peasants’ cottages, that stood among 
overshadowing trees; and the earth looked 
bright, with its broad, blue rivers winding 
through soft meadows, the singing birds, and 
flowers, who kept their bright eyes ever on the 
sky. 

And she sang gayly as they floated in the 
clear air, while her friend kept time with his 
waving wings, and ever as they went along all 
grew fairer; and thus they came to Fairy- 
Land. 

As Bud passed through the gates, she no 
longer wondered that the exiled Fairies wept 
and sorrowed for the lovely home they had 
lost. Bright clouds floated in the sunny sky, 
casting a rainbow light on the Fairy palaces 
below, where the Elves were dancing ; while 
the low, sweet voices of the singing flowers 
sounded softly through the fragrant air, and 
mingled with the music of the rippling waves, 
as they flowed on beneath the blossoming 
vines that drooped above them. 

All was bright and beautiful; but kind little 
Bud would not linger, for the forms of the 
weeping Fairies were before her ; and though 
the blossoms nodded gayly on the stems to 
welcome her, and the soft winds kissed her 
cheek, she would not stay, but on to the 
Flower Palace she went, into a pleasant hall 
whose walls were formed of crimson roses, 


FLOWER FABLES. 


97 


amid whose leaves sat little Elves, making 
sweet music on their harps. 

When they saw Bud they gathered round 
her, and led her through the flower-wreathed 
arches to a group of the most beautiful Fair- 
ies, who were gathered about a stately lily, 
in whose fragrant cup sat one whose purple 
robe and glittering crown told she was their 
Queen. 

Bud knelt before her, and, while tears 
streamed down her little face, she told her 
errand, and pleaded earnestly that the exiled 
Fairies might be forgiven, and not be left to 
pine far from their friends and kindred. And 
as she prayed, many wept with her; and 
when she ceased, and waited for her answer, 
many knelt beside her, praying forgiveness for 
the unhappy Elves. 

With tearful ej^es Queen Dew-Drop replied: 

“Little maiden, your prayer has softened 
my heart. They shall not be left sorrowing 
and alone, nor shall you go back without a 
kindly word to cheer and comfort them. We 
will pardon their fault, and when they can 
bring hither a perfect Fairy crown, robe, and 
wand, they shall be again received as children 
of their loving Queen. The task is hard, for 
none but the best and purest can form the 
Fairy garments; yet with patience they may 
yet restore their robes to their former bright- 
ness. Farewell, good little maiden; come 
with them, for but for you they would have 
dwelt forever without the walls of Fairy- 
Land.” 

7 Flower Fables 


98 


FLOWER FABLES. 


“Good speed to you, and farewell,” cried 
they all, as, with loving messages to their poor 
friends, they bore her to the gates. 

Day after day toiled little Bud, cheering the 
Fairies, who, angry and disappointed, would 
not listen to her gentle words, but turned 
away and sat alone weeping. They grieved 
her kind heart with many cruel words ; but 
patiently she bore with them, and when they 
told her they could never perform so hard a 
task, and must dwell forever in the dark for- 
est, she answered gently, that the snow-white 
lily must be planted, and watered with repent- 
ant tears, before the robe of innocence could 
be won ; that the sun of love must shine in 
their hearts before the light could return to 
their dim crowns, and deeds of kindness must 
be performed, ere the power would come 
again to their now useless wands. 

Then they planted the lilies; but they soon 
drooped and died, and no light came to their 
crowns. They did no gentle deeds, but cared 
only for themselves; and when they found 
their labor was in vain, they tried no longer, 
but sat weeping. Bud, with ceaseless toil and 
patient care, tended the lilies, which bloomed 
brightly, the crowns grew bright, and in her 
hands the wands had power over birds and 
blossoms, for she was striving to give happi- 
ness to others, forgetful of herself. And the 
idle Fairies, with thankful words, took the gar- 
ments from her, and then with Bud went forth 
to Fairy Land, and stood with beating hearts 


FLOWER FABLES. 


99 


before the gates ; where crowds of Fairy friends 
came forth to welcome them. 

But when Queen Dewdrop touched them 
with her wand, as they passed in, the light 
faded from their crowns, their robes became 
like withered leaves, and their wands were 
powerless. 

Amid the tears of all the Fairies, the Queen 
led them to the gates, and said: 

“Farewell! It is not in my power to aid 
you; innocence and love are not within your 
hearts, and were it not for this untiring little 
maiden, who has toiled while you have wept, 
you never would have entered your lost home. 
Go and strive again, for till all is once more 
fair and pure, I cannot call you mine.” 

“Farewell !” sang the weeping Fairies, as the 
gates closed on their outcast friends; who, 
humble and broken-hearted, gathered around 
Bud; and she, with cheering words, guided 
them back to the forest. 

Time passed on, and the Fairies had done 
nothing to gain their lovely home again. They 
wept no longer, but watched little Bud, as she 
daily tended the flowers, restoring their strengh 
and beauty, or with gentle words flew from 
nest to nest, teaching the little birds to live 
happily together; and wherever she went bles- 
sings fell, and loving hearts were filled with 
gratitude. 

Then, one by one, the Elves secretly did 
some little work of kindness, and found a quiet 
joy come back to repay them. Flowers looked 
lovingly up as they passed, birds sang to cheer 


100 


FLOWER FABLES. 


them when sad thoughts made them weep. 
And soon little Bud found out their gentle 
deeds, and her friendly words gave them new 
strength. So day after day they followed her, 
and like a band of guardian spirits they flew 
far and wide, carrying with them joy and 
peace. 

And not only birds and flowers blessed them, 
but human beings also ; for with tender hands 
they guided little children from danger, and 
kept their young hearts free from evil thoughts ; 
they whispered soothing words to the sick, and 
brought sweet odors and fair flowers to their 
lonely rooms. They sent lovely visions to the 
old and blind, to make their hearts young and 
bright with happy thoughts. 

But most tenderly did they watch over the 
poor and sorrowing, and many a poor mother 
blessed the unseen hands that laid food before 
her hungry little ones, and folded warm gar- 
ments round their naked limbs. Many a poor 
man wondered at the fair flowers that sprang 
up in his little garden plot, cheering him with 
their bright forms, and making his dreary home 
fair with their loveliness, and looked at his 
once barren field, where now waved the golden 
corn, turning its broad leaves to the warm sun, 
and promising a store of golden ears to give 
him food ; while the careworn face grew bright, 
and the troubled heart filled with gratitude 
toward the invisible spirits who had brought 
him such joy. 

Thus time passed on, and though the exiled 
Fairies longed often for their home, still, 


FLOWER FABLES. 


101 


knowing they did not deserve it, they toiled on, 
hoping one day to see the friends they had lost ; 
while the joy of their own hearts made their 
life full of happiness. 

One day came little Bud to them, saying: 

“Listen,, dear friends. I have a hard task to 
offer you. It is a great sacrifice for you light- 
loving Fairies to dwell through the long win- 
ter in the dark, cold earth, watching over the 
flower roots, to keep them free from the little 
grubs and worms that seek to harm them. 
But in the sunny Spring when they bloom 
again, their love and gratitude will give you 
happy homes among their bright leaves. 

“It is a wearisome task, and I can give you 
no reward for all your tender care, but the 
blessings of the gentle flowers you will have 
saved from death. Gladly would I aid you; 
but my winged friends are preparing for their 
journey to warmer lands, and I must help them 
teach their little ones to fly, and see them 
safely on their way. Then, through the winter, 
must I seek the dwellings of the poor and 
suffering, comfort the sick and lonely, and give 
hope and courage to those who in their poverty 
are led astray. These things must I do ; but 
when the flowers bloom again I will be with 
you, to welcome back our friends from over 
the sea.’’ 

Then, with tears, the Fairies answered, “Ah, 
good little Bud, you have taken the hardest 
task yourself, and who will repay you for all 
your deeds of tenderness and mercy in the 
great world? Should evil befall you, our 


102 


FLOWER FABLES. 


hearts would break. We will labor trustingly 
in the earth, and thoughts of you shall cheer 
us on; for without you we had been worthless 
beings, and never known the joy that kindly 
actions bring. Yes, dear Bud, we will gladly 
toil among the roots, that the fair flowers may 
wear their gayest robes to welcome you. ’ ’ 

Then deep in the earth the Fairies dwelt, 
and no frost or snow could harm the blossoms 
they tended. Every little seed was laid in the 
soft earth, watered, and watched. Tender 
roots were folded in withered leaves, that no 
chilling drops might reach them; and safely 
dreamed the flowers, till summer winds should 
call them forth ; while lighter grew each Fairy 
heart, as every gentle deed was tenderly per- 
formed. 

At length the snow was gone, and they 
heard little voices calling them to come up ; 
but patiently they worked, till seed and root 
were green and strong. Then, with eager feet, 
they hastened to the earth above, where, over 
hill and valley, bright flowers and budding 
trees smiled in the warm sunlight, blossoms 
bent lovingly before them and rang their 
colored bells till the fragrant air was full of 
music; while the stately trees waved their 
great arms above them, and scattered soft 
leaves at their feet. 

Then came the merry birds, making the wood 
alive with their gay voices, calling to one an- 
other, as they flew among the vines, building 
their little homes. Long waited the Elves, 
and at last she came with Father Brown- Breast. 


FLOWER FABLES. 


103 


Happy days passed; and summer flowers 
were in their fullest beauty, when Bud bade 
the Fairies come with her. 

Mounted on bright-winged butterflies, they 
flew over forest and meadow, till with joyful 
eyes they saw the flower-crowned walls of 
Fairy- Land. 

Before the gates they stood, and soon troops 
of loving Elves came forth to meet them. And 
on through the sunny gardens they went, into 
the Lily Hall, where, among the golden sta- 
mens of a graceful flower, sat the Queen; 
while on the broad, green leaves around it 
stood the bright-eyed little maids of honor. 

Then, amid the deep silence, little Bud, lead- 
ing the Fairies to the throne, said: 

“Dear Queen, I here bring back your sub- 
jects, wiser for their sorrow, better for their 
hard trial ; and now might any Queen be proud 
of them, and how to learn from them that giv- 
ing joy and peace to others brings it fourfold 
to us, bearing a double happiness in the bless- 
ings to those we help. Through the dreary 
months, when they might have dwelt among 
fair Southern flowers, beneath a smiling sky, 
they toiled in the dark and silent earth, filling 
the hearts of the gentle Flower Spirits with 
grateful love, seeking no reward but the know- 
ledge of their own good deeds, and the joy they 
always bring. This they have done unmur- 
muringly and alone; and now, far and wide, 
flower blessings fall upon them, and the sum- 
mer winds bear the glad tidings unto those 
who droop in sorrow, and new joy and strength 


104 


FLOWER FABLES. 


it brings, as they look longingly for the friends 
whose gentle care hath brought such happiness 
to their fair kindred. 

“Are they not worthy of your love, dear 
Queen? Have they not won their lovely home? 
Say they are pardoned, and you have gained 
the love of hearts pure as the snow-white robes 
now folded over them.” 

As Bud ceased, she touched the wondering 
Fairies with her wand, and the dark faded 
garments fell away; and beneath, the robes of 
lily leaves glittered pure and spotless in the 
sunlight. Then, while happy tears fell, Queen 
Dewdrop placed the bright crowns on the 
bowed heads of the kneeling Fairies, and laid 
before them the wands their own good deeds 
had rendered powerful. 

They turned to thank little Bud for all her 
patient love, but she was gone; and high 
above, in the clear air, they saw the little form 
journeying back to the quiet forest. 

She needed no reward but the joy she had 
given. The Fairy hearts were pure again, and 
her work was done ; yet all Fairy Land had 
learned a lesson from gentle little Bud. 

“Now, little Sunbeam, what have you to tell 
us?” said the Queen, looking down on a bright- 
eyed Elf, who sat half-hidden in the deep moss 
at her feet. 

“I, too, like Star-Twinkle, have nothing but 
a song to offer,” replied the Fairy; and then, 
while the nightingale’s sweet voice mingled 
with her own, she sang: 


FLOWER FABLES. 


105 


CLOVER-BLOSSOM. 

In a quiet, pleasant meadow, 

Beneath a summer sky, 

Where green old trees their branches waved, 
And winds went singing by; 

Where a little brook went rippling 
So musically low, 

And passing clouds cast shadows 
On the waving grass below ; 

Where low, sweet notes of brooding birds 
Stole out on the fragrant air, 

And golden sunlight shone undimmed 
On all most fresh and fair; — 

There bloomed a lovely sisterhood 
Of happy little flowers, 

Together in this pleasant home, 

Through quiet summer hours. 

No rude hand came to gather them, 

No chilling winds to blight; 

Warm sunbeams smiled on them by day, 

And soft dews fell at night. 

So here, along the brook-side, 

Beneath the green old trees, 

The flowers dwelt among their friends, 

The sunbeams and the breeze. 

One morning, as the flowers awoke, 

Fragrant, and fresh, and fair, 


106 


FLOWER FABLES. 


A little worm came creeping by, 

And begged a shelter there. 

“Ah! pity and love me,” sighed the worm, 

‘ ‘ I am lonely, poor, and weak ; 

A little spot for a resting-place, 

Dear flowers, is all I seek. 

I am not fair, and have dwelt unloved 
By butterfly, bird, and bee. 

They little knew that in this dark form 
Lay the beauty they yet may see. 

Then let me lie in the deep green moss, 

And weave my little tomb, 

And sleep my long, unbroken sleep 
Till Spring’s first flowers come. 

Then will I come in a fairer dress, 

And your gentle care repay 
By the grateful love of the humble worm ; 

Kind flowers, O let me stay!” 

But the wild rose showed her little thorns, 
While her soft face glowed with pride ; 

The violet hid beneath the drooping ferns, 
And the daisy turned aside. 

Little Houstonia scornfully laughed, 

As she danced on her slender stem ; 

While the cowslip bent to the rippling waves, 
And whispered the tale to them. 

A blue-eyed grass looked down on the worm, 
As it silently turned away, 

And cried , 4 4 Thou wilt harm our delicate leaves, 
And, therefore, thou canst not stay.” 

Then a sweet, soft voice, called out from afar, 
“Come hither, poor worm, to me, 

The sun lies warm in this quiet spot, 

And I’ll share my home with thee.’’ 


FLOWER FABLES. 


107 


The wondering flowers looked up to see 
Who had offered the worm a home : 

’Twas a clover-blossom, whose fluttering leaves 
Seemed beckoning him to come ; 

It dwelt in a sunny little nook, 

Where cool winds rustled by, 

And murmuring bees and butterflies came, 

On the flower’s breast to lie. 

Down through the leaves the sunlight stole, 
And seemed to linger there, 

As if it loved to brighten the home 
Of one so sweet and fair. 

Its rosy face smiled kindly down, 

As the friendless worm drew near, 

And its low voice, softly whispering, said, 
“Poor thing, thou art welcome here; 

Close at my side, in the soft green moss, 

Thou wilt find a quiet bed, 

Where thou canst softly sleep till Spring, 

With my leaves above thee spread. 

I pity and love thee, friendless worm, 

Though thou art not graceful or fair; 

For many a dark, unlovely form, 

Hath a kind heart dwelling there; 

No more o’er the green and pleasant earth, 
Lonely and poor, shalt thou roam, 

For a loving friend hast thou found in me, 
And rest in my little home.’’ 

Then, deep in its quiet mossy bed, 

Sheltered from sun and shower, 

The grateful worm spun its winter tomb, 

In the shadow of the flower. 

And Clover guarded well its rest, 

Till Autumn’s leaves were sere, 


108 


FLOWER FABLES. 


Till all her sister flowers were gone, 

And her winter sleep drew near. 

Then her withered leaves were softly spread 
O’er the sleeping worm below, 

Ere the faithful little flower lay 
Beneath the winter snow. 

Spring came again, and the flowers rose 
From their quiet winter graves, 

And gayly danced on their slender stems, 
And sang with the rippling waves. 

Softly the warm winds kissed their cheeks ; 

Brightly the sunbeams fell, 

As, one by one, they came again 
In their summer homes to dwell. 

And little Clover bloomed once more, 

Rosy, and sweet, and fair, 

And patiently watched by the mossy bed, 
For the worm still slumbered there. 

Then her sister flowers scornfully cried, 

As they waved in the summer air. 

“The ugly worm was friendless and poor; 

Little Clover, why shouldst thou care? 
Then watch no more, nor dwell alone, 

Away from thy sister flowers ; 

Come, dance and feast, and spend with us 
These pleasant summer hours. 

We pity thee, foolish little flower, 

To trust what the false worm said; 

He will not come in a fairer dress, 

For he lies in the green moss dead.” 

But little Clover still watched on, 

Alone in her sunny home, 

She did not doubt the poor worm’s truth, 


FLOWER FABLES. 


109 


And trusted he would come. 

At last the small cell opened wide, 

And a glittering butterfly. 

From out the moss, on golden wings, 

Soared up to the sunny sky. 

Then the wondering flowers cried aloud, 
“Clover, thy watch was vain; 

He only sought a shelter here, 

And never will come again.” 

And the unkind flowers danced for joy, 

When they saw him thus depart ; 

For the love of a beautiful butterfly 
Is dear to a flower’s heart. 

They feared he would stay in Clover’s home, 
And her tender care repay; 

So they danced for joy, when at last he rose 
And silently flew away. 

Then little Clover bowed her head, 

While her soft tears fell like dew ; 

For her gentle heart was grieved, to find 
That her sisters’ words were true. 

And the insect she had watched so long 
When helpless, poor, and lone, 

Thankless for all her faithful care, 

On his golden wings had flown. 

But as she drooped, in silent grief, 

She heard little Daisy cry, 

“O sisters, look! I see him now, 

Afar in the sunny sky ; 

He is floating back from Cloud-Land now, 
Borne by the fragrant air. 

Spread wide your leaves, that he may choose 
The flower he deems most fair.” 

Then the wild rose glowed with a deeper blush, 


110 


FLOWER FABLES. 


As she proudly waved on her stem ; 

The Cowslip bent to the clear blue waves, 

And made her mirror of them. 

Little Houstonia merrily danced, 

And spread her white leaves wide ; 

While Daisy whispered her joy and hope, 

As she stood by her gay friend’s side. 

Violet peeped from the tall green ferns, 

And lifted her soft blue eye 

To watch the glittering form that shone 
Afar in the summer sky. 

They thought no more of the ugly worm, 

Who once had wakened their scorn ; 

But looked and longed for the butterfly now, 
As the soft wind bore him on. 

Nearer and nearer the bright form came, 

And fairer the blossoms grew ; 

Each welcomed him, in her sweetest tones; 
Each offered her honey and dew. 

But in vain did they beckon, and smile, and call 
And wider their leaves unclose ; 

The glittering form still floated on, 

By Violet, Daisy, and Rose. 

Lightly it flew to the pleasant home 
Of the flower most truly fair, 

In Clover’s breast he softly lit, 

And folded his bright wings there. 

“Dear flower,’’ the butterfly whispered low, 
“Long hast thou waited for me; 

Now I am come, and my grateful love 
Shall brighten thy home for thee ; 

Thou hast loved and cared for me, when alone, 
Hast watched o’er me long and well; 


FLOWER FABLES. 


Ill 


And now will I strive to show the thanks 
The poor worm could not tell. 

Sunbeam and breeze shall come to thee, 

And the coolest dews that fall ; 

Whate’er a flower can wish is thine, 

For thou art worthy all. 

And the home thou shared with the friendless 
worm 

The butterfly’s home shall be; 

And thou shalt find, dear, faithful flower, 

A loving friend in me.” 

Then, through the long, bright summer hours. 
Through sunshine and through shower, 
Together in their happy home 
Dwelt butterfly and flower. 

“Ah, that is very lovely ,’ * cried the Elves, 
gathering round little Sunbeam as she ceased, 
to place a garland in her hair and praise her 
song. 

“Now,” said the Queen, “call hither Moon- 
light and Summer-Wind, for they have seen 
many pleasant things in their long wander- 
ings, and will gladly tell us them.” 

“Most joyfully will we do our best, dear 
Queen,’’ said the Elves, as they folded their 
wings beside her. 

“Now, Summer-Wind,” said Moonlight, 
“till your turn comes, do you sit here and fan 
me while I tell this tale of 


112 


FLOWER FABLES. 


LITTLE ANNIE’S DREAM; 


OR, 

THE FAIRY FLOWER. 

In a large and pleasant garden sat little 
Annie all alone, and she seemed very sad, for 
drops that were not dew fell fast upon the 
flowers beside her, who looked wonderingly 
up, and bent still nearer, as if they longed to 
cheer and comfort her. The warm wind lifted 
up her shining hair and softly kissed her 
cheek, while the sunbeams, looking most 
kindly in her face, made little rainbows in her 
tears, and lingered lovingly about her. But 
Annie paid no heed to sun, or wind, or flower; 
still the bright tears fell, and she forgot all but 
her sorrow. 

“Little Annie, tell me why you weep,” said 
a low voice in her ear ; and, looking up, the 
child beheld a little figure standing on a vine- 
leaf at her side ; a lovely face smiled on her 
from amid bright locks of hair, and shining 
wings were folded on a white and glittering 
robe that fluttered in the wind. 

“Who are you, lovely little thing?” cried 
Annie, smiling through her tears. 

“I am a Fairy, little child, and am come to 
help and comfort you ; now tell me why you 



A glittering butterfly soared to the sky.” — Page 109. 

Flower Fables. 





FLOWER FABLES. 


113 


weep, and let me be your friend,’ replied the 
spirit, as she smiled more kindly still on 
Annie’s wondering face. 

“And are you really, then, a little Elf, such 
as I read of in my fairy books? Do you ride 
on butterflies, sleep in flower-cups, and live 
among the clouds?’’ 

“Yes, all these things I do, and many 
stranger still that all your fairy books can 
never tell; but now, dear Annie,’’ said the 
Fairy, bending nearer, “tell me why I found 
no sunshine on your face ; why are these great 
drops shining on the flowers, and why do you 
sit alone when bird and bee are calling you to 
play?’’ 

“Ah, you will not love me any more if I 
should tell you all,’’ said Annie, while the 
tears began to fall again ; “I am not happy, for 
I am not good ; how shall I learn to be a pa- 
tient, gentle child? Good little Fairy, will you 
teach me how?’’ 

“Gladly will I aid you, Annie, and if you 
truly wish to be a happy child, you first must 
learn to conquer many passions that you cher- 
ish now, and make your heart a home for gen- 
tle feelings and happy thoughts; the task is 
hard, but I will give this fairy flower to help 
and counsel you. Bend hither, that I may 
place it in your breast; no hand can take it 
hence, till I unsay the spell that holds it there. ’’ 

As thus she spoke, the Elf took from her 
bosom a graceful flower, whose snow-white 
leaves shone with a strange soft light. “This 
is a fairy flower,” said the Elf, “invisible to 

8 Flower Fables 


114 


FLOWER FABLES. 


every eye save yours; now listen while I tell 
its power, Annie. When your heart is filled 
with loving thoughts, when some kindly deed 
has been done, some duty well performed, then 
from the flower there will arise the sweetest, 
softest fragrance, to reward and gladden you. 
But when an unkind word is on your lips, when 
a selfish, angry feeling rises in your heart, or 
an unkind, cruel deed is to be done, then will 
you hear the soft, low chime of the flower-bell ; 
listen to its warning, let the word remain un- 
spoken, the deed undone, and in the quiet joy 
of your own heart, and the magic perfume of 
your bosom flower, you will find a sweet 
reward. ” 

“O kind and generous Fairy, how can I ever 
thank you for this lovely gift!” cried Annie. 
“I will be true, and listen to my little bell 
whenever it may ring. But shall I never see 
you more? Ah ! if you would only stay with 
me, I should indeed be good.” 

‘‘I cannot stay now, little Annie,” said the 
Elf, ‘‘but when another Spring comes round, 
I shall be here again, to see how well the fairy 
gift has done its work. And now farewell, 
dear child; be faithful to yourself, and the 
magic flower will never fade.” 

Then the gentle Fairy folded her little arms 
around Annie’s neck, laid a soft kiss on her 
cheek, and, spreading wide her shining wings, 
flew singing up among the white clouds float- 
ing in the sky. 

And little Annie sat among her flowers, and 


FLOWER FABLES. 


115 


watched with wondering joy the fairy blossom 
shining on her breast. 

The pleasant days of Spring and Summer 
passed away, and in little Annie’s garden 
Autumn flowers were blooming everywhere, 
with each day’s sun and dew growing still 
more beautiful and bright ; but the fairy flower, 
that should have been the loveliest of all 
hung pale and drooping on little Annie’s 
bosom ; its fragrance seemed quite gone, and 
the clear, low music of its warning chime rang 
often in her ear. 

When first the Fairy placed it there, she had 
been pleased with her new gift, and for a 
while obeyed the fairy bell, and often tried to 
win some fragrance from the flower by kind 
and pleasant words and actions; then, as the 
Fairy said, she found a sweet reward in the 
strange, soft perfume of the magic blossom as 
it shone upon her breast ; but selfish thoughts 
would come to tempt her, she would yield, 
and unkind words fell from her lips ; and then 
the flower drooped pale and scentless, the fairy 
bell rang mournfully, Annie would forget her 
better resolutions, and be again a selfish, will- 
ful little child. 

At last she tried no longer, but grew angry 
with the faithful flower, and would have torn 
it from her breast; but the fairy spell still held 
it fast, and all her angry words but made it 
ring a louder, sadder peal. Then she paid no 
heed to the silvery music sounding in her ear, 
and each day grew still more unhappy, discon- 
tented, and unkind; so, when the Autumn 


116 


FLOWER FABLES. 


days came round, she was no better for the 
gentle Fairy’s gift, and longed for Spring, 
that it might be returned; for now the con- 
stant echo of the mournful music made her 
very sad. 

One sunny morning, when the fresh, cool 
winds were blowing, and not a cloud was in 
the sky, little Annie walked among her flowers, 
looking carefully into each, hoping thus to 
find the Fairy, who alone could take the magic 
blossom from her breast. But she lifted up 
their drooping leaves, peeped into their dewy 
cups in vain ; no little Elf lay hidden there, 
and she turned sadly from them all, saying, 
“I will go out into the fields and woods, and 
seek her there. I will not listen to this tire- 
some music more, nor wear this withered 
flower longer. ” So out into the fields she went, 
where the long grass rustled as she passed, 
and timid birds looked at her from their nests; 
where lovely wild flowers nodded in the wind, 
and opened wide their fragrant leaves to 
welcome in the murmuring bees, while butter- 
flies, like winged flowers, danced and glittered 
in the sun. 

Little Annie looked, searched, and asked 
them all if any one could tell her of the Fairy 
whom she sought; but the birds looked won- 
deringly at her with their soft, bright eyes, 
and still sang on ; the flowers nodded wisely 
on their stems, but did not speak, while butter- 
fly and bee buzzed and fluttered away, one far 
too busy, the other too idle, to stay and tell 
her what she asked. 


FLOWER FABLES. 


117 


Then she went through broad fields of yel- 
low grain that waved around her like a golden 
forest; here crickets chirped, grasshoppers 
leaped, and busy ants worked, but they could 
not tell her what she longed to know. 

“Now will I go among the hills, ” said Annie, 
“she may be there.” So up and down the 
green hillsides went her little feet; long she 
searched and vainly she called; but still no 
Fairy came. Then by the riverside she went, 
and asked the gray dragon flies and the cool 
white lilies if the fairy had been there; but 
the blue waves rippled on the white sand at 
her feet, and no voice answered her. 

Then into the forest little Annie went; and 
as she passed along the dim, cool paths, the 
wood-flowers smiled up in her face, gay squir- 
rels peeped at her, as they swung amid the 
vines, and doves cooed softly as she wandered 
by; but none could answer her. So, weary 
with her long and useless search, she sat amid 
the ferns, and feasted on the rosy strawberries 
that grew beside her, watching meanwhile 
the crimson evening clouds that glowed 
around the setting sun. 

The night-wind rustled through the boughs, 
rocking the flowers to sleep; the wild birds 
sang their evening hymns, and all within the 
wood grew calm and still; paler and paler 
grew the purple light, lower and lower 
drooped little Annie’s head, the tall ferns bent 
to shield her from the dew, the whispering 
pines sang a soft lullaby; and when the Au- 
tumn moon rose up, her silver light shone on 


118 


FLOWER FABLES. 


the child, where, pillowed on green moss, she 
lay asleep amid the wood-flowers in the dim 
old forest. 

And all night long beside her stood the Fairy 
she had sought, and by elfin spell and charm 
sent to the sleeping child this dream. 

Little Annie dreamed she sat in her own 
garden, as she had often sat before, with angry 
feelings in her heart, and unkind words upon 
her lips. The magic flower was ringing its soft 
warning, but she paid no heed to anything, 
save her own troubled thoughts ; thus she sat, 
when suddenly a low voice whispered in her 
ear: 

“Little Annie, look and see the evil things 
that you are cherishing ; I will clothe in fit- 
ting shapes the thoughts and feelings that now 
dwell within your heart, and you shall see how 
great their power becomes, unless you banish 
them forever.” 

Then Annie saw, with fear and wonder, that 
the angry words she uttered changed to dark, 
unlovely forms, each showing plainly from 
what fault or passion it had sprung. Some of 
the shapes had scowling faces and bright, fiery 
eyes ; these were the spirits of Anger. Others, 
with sullen, anxious looks, seemed gathering 
up all they could reach, and Annie saw that 
the more they gained, the less they seemed 
to have; and these she knew were shapes of 
Selfishness. Spirits of Pride were there, who 
folded their shadowy garments round them, 
and turned scornfully away from all the rest. 
These and many others little Annie saw. 


FLOWER FABLES. 


119 


which had come from her own heart, and 
taken form before her eyes. 

When first she saw them, they were small 
and weak; but as she looked they seemed to 
grow and gather strength, and each gained a 
strange power over her. She could not drive 
them from her sight, and they grew ever 
stronger, darker, and more unlovely to her 
eyes. They seemed to cast black shadows 
over all around, to dim the sunshine, blight 
the flowers, and drive away all bright and 
lovely things; while rising slowly round her 
Annie saw a high, dark wall, that seemed to 
shut out everything she loved ; she dared not 
move, or speak, but, with a strange fear at her 
heart, sat watching the dim shapes that hov- 
ered round her. 

Higher and higher rose the shadowy wall, 
slowly the flowers near her died, lingeringly 
the sunlight faded ; but at last they both were 
gone, and left her all alone behind the gloomy 
wall. Then the spirits gathered round her, 
whispering strange things in her ears, bidding 
her obey, for by her own will she had yielded 
up her heart to be their home, and she was 
now their slave. Then she could hear no 
more, but, sinking down among the withered 
flowers, wept sad and bitter tears, for her lost 
liberty and joy; then through the gloom there 
shone a faint, soft light, and on her breast 
she saw her fairy flower, upon whose snow- 
white leaves her tears lay shining. 

Clearer and brighter grew the radiant light, 


120 


FLOWER FABLES. 


till the evil spirits turned away to the dark 
shadow of the wall, and left the child alone. 

The light and perfume of the flower seemed 
to bring new strength to Annie, and she rose 
up, saying, as she bent to kiss the blossom on 
her breast, “Dear flower, help and guide me 
now, and I will listen to your voice, and 
cheerfully obey my faithful fairy bell. ’ ’ 

Then in her dreams she felt how hard the 
spirits tried to tempt and trouble her, and how, 
but for her flower, they would have led her 
back, and made all dark and dreary as before. 
Long and hard she struggled, and tears often 
fell; but after each new trial, brighter shone 
her magic flower, and sweeter grew its breath, 
while the spirits lost still more their power to 
tempt her. Meanwhile, green, flowering vines 
crept up the high, dark wall, and hid its 
roughness from her sight ; and over these she 
watched most tenderly, for soon, wherever 
green leaves and flowers bloomed, the wall 
beneath grew weak, and fell apart. Thus 
little Annie worked and hoped, till one by one 
the evil spirits fled away, and in their place 
came shining forms, with gentle eyes and 
smiling lips, who gathered round her with 
such loving words, and brought such strength 
and joy to Annie’s heart, that nothing evil 
dared to enter in; while slowly sank the 
gloomy wall, and, over wreaths of fragrant 
flowers, she passed out into the pleasant world 
again, the fairy gift no longer pale and droop- 
ing, but now shining like a star upon her 
breast. 


FLOWER FABLES. 


121 


Then the low voice spoke again in Annie’s 
sleeping ear, saying, “The dark, unlovely 
passions you have looked upon are in your 
heart; watch well while they are few and weak 
lest they should darken your whole life, and 
shut out love and happiness forever. Remem- 
ber well the lesson of the dream, dear child, 
and let the shining spirits make your heart 
their home. ” 

And with that voice sounding in her ear, 
little Annie woke to find it was a dream ; but 
like other dreams it did not pass away; and 
as she sat alone, bathed in the rosy morning- 
light, and watched the forest waken into life, 
she thought of the strange forms she had seen, 
and, looking down upon the flower on her 
breast, she silently resolved to strive, as she 
had striven in her dream, to bring back light 
and beauty to its faded leaves, by being what 
the Fairy hoped to render her, a patient, 
gentle little child. And as the thought came 
to her mind, the flower raised its drooping 
head, and, looking up into the earnest little 
face bent over it, seemed by its fragrant breath 
to answer Annie’s silent thought, and 
strengthen her for what might come. 

Meanwhile the forest was astir, birds sang 
their gay good-morrows from tree to tree, 
while leaf and flower turned to greet the sun, 
who rose up smiling on the world ; and so 
beneath the forest boughs and through the 
dewy fields went little Annie home, better and 
wiser for her dream. 


122 FLOWER FABLES. 

Autumn flowers were dead and gone, yellow 
leaves lay rustling on the ground, bleak winds 
went whistling through the naked trees, and 
cold, white Winter snow fell softly down; yet 
now, when all without looked dark and dreary, 
on little Annie’s breast the fairy flower 
bloomed more beautiful than ever. The mem- 
ory of her forest dream had never passed away, 
and through trial and temptation she had been 
true, and kept her resolution still unbroken; 
seldom now did the warning bell sound in her 
ear, and seldom did the flower’s fragrance 
cease to float about her, or the fairy light to 
brighten all whereon it fell. 

So, through the long, cold Winter, little 
Annie dwelt like a sunbeam in her home, each 
day growing richer in the love of others, and 
happier in herself; often was she tempted, 
but, remembering her dream, she listened only 
to the music of the fairy bell, and the unkind 
thought or feeling fled away, the smiling 
spirits of gentleness and love nestled in her 
heart, and all was bright again. 

So better and happier grew the child, fairer 
and sweeter grew the flower, till Spring came 
smiling over the earth, and woke the flowers, 
set free the streams, and welcomed back the 
birds ; then daily did the happy child sit among 
her flowers, longing for the gentle Elf to come 
again, that she might tell her gratitude for all 
the magic gift had done. 

At length, one day, as she sat singing in the 
sunny nook where all her fairest flowers 
bloomed, weary with gazing at the far-off sky 


FLOWER FABLES. 


123 


for the little forms she hoped would come, 
she bent to look with joyful love upon her 
bosom flower ; and as she looked, its folded 
leaves spread wide apart, and, rising slowly 
from the deep white cup, appeared the smiling 
face of the lovely Elf whose coming she had 
waited for so long. 

“Dear Annie, look for me no longer; I am 
here on your own breast, for you have learned 
to love my gift, and it has done its work most 
faithfully and well,” the Fairy said, as she 
looked into the happy child’s bright face, and 
laid her little arms most tenderly about her 
neck. 

“And now have I brought another gift from 
Fairy-Land, as a fit reward for you, dear 
child,” she said, when Annie had told all her 
gratitude and love; then, touching the child 
with her shining wand, the Fairy bid her look 
and listen silently. 

And suddenly the world seemed changed to 
Annie ; for the air was filled with strange, 
sweet sounds, and all around her floated lovely 
forms. In every flower sat little smiling 
Elves, singing gayly as they rocked amid the 
leaves. On every breeze, bright airy spirits 
came floating by; some fanned her cheek with 
their coll breath, and waved her long hair to 
and fro, while others rang the flower-bells, 
and made a pleasant rustling among the 
leaves. In the fountain, where the water 
danced and sparkled in the sun, astride of 
every drop she saw merry little spirits, who 
plashed and floated in the clear, cool waves, 


124 


FLOWER FABLES. 


and sang as gayly as the flowers, on whom 
they scattered glittering dew. The tall trees, 
as their branches rustled in the wind, sang a 
low, dreamy song, while the waving grass was 
filled with little voices she had never heard 
before. Butterflies whispered lovely tales in 
her ear, and birds sang cheerful songs in a 
sweet language she had never understood be- 
fore. Earth and air seemed filled with beauty 
and with music she had never dreamed of 
until now. 

“O tell me what it means, dear Fairy! is it 
another and a lovelier dream, or is the earth 
in truth so beautiful as this?” she cried, look- 
ing with wondering joy upon the Elf, who lay 
upon the flower in her breast. 

“Yes, it is true, dear child,” replied the 
Fairy, “and few are the mortals to whom we 
give this lovely gift ; what to you is now so full 
of music and of light, to others is but a pleas- 
ant summer world: they never know the lan- 
guage of butterfly or bird or flower, and they 
are blind to all that I have given you the 
power to see. These fair things are your 
friends and playmates now, and they will teach 
you many pleasant lessons, and give you many 
happy hours ; while the garden where you once 
sat, weeping sad and bitter tears, is now 
brightened by your own happiness, filled with 
loving friends by your own kindly thoughts 
and feelings; and thus rendered a pleasant 
summer home for the gentle, happy child, 
whose bosom flower will never fade. And 
now, dear Annie, I must go; but every Spring- 


FLOWER FABLES. 


125 


time, with the earliest flowers, will I come 
again to visit you, and bring some fairy gift. 
Guard well the magic flower, that I may find 
all fair and bright when next I come.” 

Then, with a kind farewell, the gentle Fairy 
floated upward through the sunny air, smiling 
down upon the child, until she vanished in the 
soft, white clouds, and little Annie stood alone 
in her enchanted garden, where all was 
brightened with the radiant light, and frag- 
rant with the perfume of her fairy flower. 

When Moonlight ceased, Summer-Wind laid 
down her rose-leaf fan, and, leaning back in 
her acorn cup, told this tale of 


126 


FLOWER FABLES. 


RIPPLE, THE WATER-SPIRIT. 

Down in the deep blue sea lived Ripple, a 
happy little Water- Spirit ; all day long she 
danced beneath the coral arches, made gar- 
lands of bright ocean flowers, or floated on the 
green waves that sparkled in the sunlight; 
but the pastime that she loved best was lying 
in the many-colored shells upon the shore, lis- 
tening to the low, murmuring music the waves, 
had taught them long ago ; and here for hours 
the little Spirit lay watching the sea and sky, 
while singing gayly to herself. 

But when tempests rose, she hastened down 
below the stormy billows, to where all was- 
calm and still, and with her sister Spirits- 
waited till it should be fair again, listening 
sadly, meanwhile, to the cries of those whom 
the wild waves wrecked and cast into the 
angry sea, and who soon came floating down, 
pale and cold, to the Spirits’ pleasant home; 
then they wept pitying tears above the life- 
less forms, and laid them in quiet graves, 
where flowers bloomed, and jewels sparkled in 
the sand. 

This was Ripple’s only grief, and she often 
thought of those who sorrowed for the friends, 
they loved, who now slept far down in the dim 
and silent coral caves, and gladly would she 


FLOWER FABLES. 


127 


have saved the lives of those who lay around 
her; but the great ocean was far mightier than 
all the tender-hearted Spirits dwelling in its 
bosom. Thus she could only weep for them, 
and lay them down to sleep where no cruel 
waves could harm them more. 

One day, when a fearful storm raged far and 
wide, and the Spirits saw great billows rolling- 
like heavy clouds above their heads, and heard 
the wild winds sounding far away, down 
through the foaming waves a little child came 
floating to their home ; its eyes were closed as 
if in sleep, the long hair fell like seaweed round 
its pale, cold face, and the little hands still 
clasped the shells they had been gathering on 
the beach, when the great waves swept it into 
the troubled sea. 

With tender tears the Spirits laid the little 
form to rest upon its bed of flowers, and, sing- 
ing mournful songs, as if to make its sleep 
more calm and deep, watched long and lov- 
ingly above it, till the storm had died away, 
and all was still again. 

While Ripple sang above the little child, 
through the distant roar of winds and waves 
the heard a wild, sorrowing voice, that seemed 
so call for help. Long she listened, thinking 
it was but the echo of their own plaintive 
song, but high above the music still sounded 
the sad, wailing cry. Then, stealing silently 
away, she glided up through foam and spray, 
till, through the parting clouds, the sunlight 
shone upon her from the tranquil sky; and, 
guided by the mournful sound, she floated on, 


128 


FLOWER FABLES. 


till, close before her on the beach, she saw a 
woman stretching forth her arms, and with a 
sad, imploring voice praying the restless sea to 
give her back the little child it had so cruelly 
borne away. But the waves dashed foaming 
up among the bare rocks at her feet, ming- 
ling their cold spray with her tears, and gave 
no answer to her prayer. 

When Ripple saw the mother’s grief, she 
longed to comfort her; so, bending tenderly 
beside her, where she knelt upon the shore, 
the little Spirit told her how her child lay softly 
sleeping, far down in a lovely place, where 
sorrowing tears were shed, and gentle hands 
laid garlands over him. But all in vain she 
whispered kindly words; the weeping mother 
only cried : 

“Dear Spirit, can you use no charm or spell 
to make the waves bring back my child, as 
full of life and strength as when they swept 
him from my side? O give me back my little 
child, or let me lie beside him in the bosom of 
the cruel sea. ’’ 

“Most gladly will I help you if I can, though 
I have little power to use; then grieve no 
more, for I will search both earth and sea, to 
find some friend who can bring back all you 
have lost. Watch daily on the shore, and if I 
do not come again, then you will know my 
search has been in vain. Farewell, poor 
mother, you shall see your little child again, 
if Fairy power can win him back. ’ ’ And with 
these cheering words Ripple sprang into the 
sea; while, smiling through her tears, the 


FLOWER FABLES. 


129 


woman watched the gentle Spirit till her 
bright crown vanished in the waves. 

When Ripple reached her home, she has- 
tened to the palace of the Queen, and told her 
of the little child, the sorrowing mother, and 
the promise she had made. 

“Good little Ripple,” said the Queen, when 
she had told her all, “your promise never can 
be kept; there is no power below the sea to 
work this charm, and you can never reach the 
Fire-Spirits’ home, to win from them a flame 
to warm the little body into life. I pity the 
poor mother, and would most gladly help her ; 
but alas! I am a Spirit like yourself, and can- 
not serve you as I long to do. ’ ’ 

“Ah! dear Queen! if you had seen her sor- 
row, you too would seek to keep the promise I 
have made. I cannot let her watch for me in 
vain, till I have done my best : then tell me 
where the Fire-Spirits dwell, and I will ask of 
them the flame that shall give life to the little 
child and such great happiness to the sad, 
lonely mother: tell me the path, and let me 
go.” 

“It is far, far away, high up above the sun, 
where no Spirit ever dared to venture yet,” 
replied the Queen. “I cannot show the path, 
for it is through the air. Dear Ripple, do not 
go, for you can never reach that distant place : 
some harm most surely will befall ; and then 
how shall we live, without our dearest, gen- 
tlest Spirit? Stay here with us in your own 
pleasant home, and think no more of this, for 
I can never let you go.” 

9 Flower Fables 


130 


FLOWER FABLES. 


But Ripple would not break the promise she 
had made, and besought so earnestly, and 
with such pleading words, that the Queen at 
last with sorrow gave consent, and Ripple joy- 
fully prepared to go. She, with her sister 
Spirits, built up a tomb of delicate, bright-col- 
ored shells, wherein the child might lie, till 
she should come to wake him into life ; then, 
praying them to watch most faithfully above 
it, she said farewell, and floated bravely forth, 
on her long, unknown journey, far away. 

“I will search the broad earth till I find a 
path up to the sun, or some kind friend who 
will carry me; for alas! I have no wings and 
cannot glide through the blue air as through 
the sea,*’ said Ripple to herself, as she went 
dancing over the waves, which bore her swiftly 
onward toward a distant shore. 

Long she journeyed through the pathless 
ocean, with no friends to cheer her, save the 
white sea-birds who went sweeping by, and 
only stayed to dip their wide wings at her 
side, and then flew silently away. Sometimes 
great ships sailed by, and then with longing 
eyes did the little Spirit gaze up at the faces 
that looked down upon the sea; for often they 
were kind and pleasant ones, and she gladly 
would have called to them and asked them to 
be friends. But they would never under- 
stand the strange, sweet language that she 
spoke, or even see the lovely face that smiled 
at them above the waves; her blue, trans- 
parent garments were but water to their eyes, 
and the pearl chains in her hair but foam and 


FLOWER FABLES. 


131 


sparkling spray ; so, hoping that the sea would 
be most gentle with them, silently she floated 
on her way, and left them far behind. 

At length green hills were seen, and the 
waves gladly bore the little Spirit on, till, 
rippling gently over soft white sand, they left 
her on the pleasant shore. 

“Ah, what a lovely place it is!” said Ripple, 
as she passed through sunny valleys, where 
flovrers began to bloom, and young leaves 
rustled on the trees. 

“Why are you all so gay, dear birds?” she 
asked, as their cheerful voices sounded far and 
near; “is there a festival over the earth, that 
all is so beautiful and bright?” 

“Do you not know that Spring is coming? 
The warm winds whispered it days ago, and 
we are learning the sweetest songs, to welcome 
her when she shall come,” sang the lark, soar- 
ing away as the music gushed from his little 
throat. 

“And shall I see her, Violet, as she journeys 
over the earth?” asked Ripple again. 

“Yes, you will meet her soon, for the sun- 
light told me she was near; tell her we long 
to see her again, and are waiting to welcome 
her back,” said the blue flower, dancing for 
joy on her stem as she nodded and smiled on 
the Spirit. 

“I will ask Spring where the Fire-Spirits 
dwell ; she travels over the earth each year, 
and surely can show me the way,” thought 
Ripple, as she went journeying on. 

Soon she saw Spring come smiling over the 


132 


FLOWER FABLES. 


earth; sunbeams and breezes floated before, 
and then, with her white garments covered 
with flowers, with wreaths in her hair, and 
dewdrops and seeds falling fast from her hand, 
the beautiful season came singing by. 

“Dear Spring, will you listen and help a 
poor little Spirit, who seeks far and wide for 
the Fire-Spirits’ home?” cried Ripple; and 
then told why she was there, and begged her 
to tell what she sought. 

“The Fire-Spirits’ home is far, far away, 
and I cannot guide you there; but Summer is 
coming behind me,” said Spring, “and she 
may know better than I. But I will give you 
a breeze to help you on your way ; it will never 
tire nor fail, but bear you easily over land and 
sea. Farewell, little Spirit! I would gladly 
do more, but voices are calling me far and 
wide, and I cannot stay.” 

“Many thanks, kind Spring!” cried Ripple, 
as she floated away on the breeze; “give a 
kindly word to the mother who waits on the 
shore, and tell her I have not forgotten my 
vow, but hope soon to see her again. ’ ’ 

Then Spring flew on with her sunshine and 
flowers, and Ripple went swiftly over hill and 
vale, till she came to the land where Summer 
was dwelling. Here the sun shone warmly 
down on the early fruit, the winds blew freshly 
over fields of fragrant hay, and rustled with a 
pleasant sound among the green leaves in the 
forests; heavy dews fell softly down at night, 
and long, bright days brought strength and 
beauty to the blossoming earth. 


FLOWER FABLES. 


133 


“Now I must seek for Summer,” said Ripple, 
as she sailed slowly through the sunny sky. 

“I am here, what would you with me, little 
Spirit?” said a musical voice in her ear ; and, 
floating by her side, she saw a graceful form, 
with green robes fluttering in the air, whose 
pleasant face looked kindly on her, from 
beneath a crown of golden sunbeams that cast a 
warm, bright glow on all beneath. 

Then Ripple told her tale, and asked where 
she should go; but Summer answered: 

“I can tell no more than my young sister 
Spring where you may find the Spirits that you 
seek ; but I, too, like her, will give a gift to 
aid you. Take this sunbeam from my crown ; 
it will cheer and brighten the most gloomy 
path through which you pass. Farewell! I 
shall carry tidings of you to the watcher by the 
sea, if in my journey round the world I find 
her there. ” 

And Summer, giving her the sunbeam, 
passed away over the distant hills, leaving all 
green and bright behind her. 

So Ripple journeyed on again, till the earth 
below her shone with yellow harvests waving 
in the sun, and the air was filled with cheerful 
voices, as the reapers sang among the fields or 
in the pleasant vineyards, where purple fruit 
hung gleaming through the leaves; while the 
sky above was cloudless, and the changing 
forest trees shone like a many-colored garland, 
over hill and plain ; and here along the ripening 
cornfields, with bright wreaths of crimson 
leaves and golden wheat ears in her hair and 


134 


FLOWER FABLES. 


on her purple mantle, stately Autumn passed, 
with a happy smile on her calm face, as she 
went scattering generous gifts from her full 
arms. 

But when the wandering Spirit came to her, 
and asked for what she sought, this season, 
like the others, could not tell her where to go ; 
so, giving her a yellow leaf, Autumn said, as 
she passed on : 

“Ask Winter, little Ripple, when you come 
to his cold home ; he knows the Fire-Spirits 
well, for when he comes they fly to the earth, 
to warm and comfort those dwelling there; and 
perhaps he can tell you where they are. So 
take this gift of mine, and when you meet his 
chilly winds, fold it about you, and sit warm 
beneath its shelter, till you come to sunlight 
again. I will carry comfort to the patient 
woman, as my sisters have already done, and 
tell her you are faithful still.” 

Then on went the never-tiring Breeze, over 
forest, hill, and field, till the sky grew dark, 
and bleak winds whistled by. Then Ripple, 
folded in the soft, warm leaf, looked sadly 
down on the earth, that seemed to lie so deli- 
cate and still beneath its shroud of snow, and 
thought how bitter cold the leaves and flowers 
must be; for the little Water-Spirit did not 
know that Winter spread a soft white covering 
above their beds, that they might safely sleep 
below till Spring should waken them again. 
So she went sorrowfully on, till Winter, riding 
on the strong North-Wind, came rushing by, 
with a sparkling ice crown in his streaming 


FLOWER FABLES. 


135 


hair, while from beneath his crimson cloak, 
where glittering frostwork shone like silver 
threads, he scattered snowflakes far and wide. 

“What do you seek with me, fair little 
Spirit, that you come so bravely here amid my 
ice and snow? Do not fear me; I am warm at 
heart, though rude and cold without,” said 
Winter, looking kindly on her, while a bright 
smile shone like sunlight on his pleasant 
face, as it glowed and glistened in the frosty 
air. 

When Ripple told him why she had come, 
he pointed upward, where the sunlight dimly 
shone through the heavy clouds, saying: 

“Far off there, beside the sun ; is the Fire- 
Spirits’ home; and the only path is up, 
through cloud and mist. It is a long, strange 
path for a lonely little Spirit to be going; the 
Fairies are wild, willful things, and in their 
play may harm and trouble you. Come back 
with me, and do not go this dangerous journey 
to the sky. I’ll gladly bear you home again, 
if you will come. ” 

But Ripple said, “I cannot turn back now, 
when I am nearly there. The Spirits surely 
will not harm me when I tell them why I am 
come; and if I win the flame, I shall be the 
happiest Spirit in the sea, for my promise will 
be kept, and the poor mother happy once 
again. So farewell, Winter! Speak to her 
gently, and tell her to hope still, for I shall 
surely come.” 

“Adieu, little Ripple! May good angels 
watch above you! Journey bravely on, and 


136 


FLOWER FABLES. 


take this snowflake that will never melt, as 
my gift,” Winter cried, as the North-Wind 
bore him on, leaving a cloud of falling snow 
behind. 

“Now, dear Breeze,” said Ripple, “fly 
straight upward through the air until we reach 
the place we have so long been seeking ; Sun- 
beam shall go before to light the way, Yellow- 
Leaf shall shelter me from heat and rain, while 
Snowflake shall lie here beside me till it comes 
of use. So farewell to the pleasant earth, until 
we come again. And now away, up to the 
sun!” 

When Ripple first began her airy journey all 
was dark and dreary; heavy clouds lay piled 
like hills around her, and a cold mist filled the 
air; but the Sunbeam, like a star, lit up the 
way, the leaf lay warmly round her, and 
the tireless wind went swiftly on. Higher and 
higher they floated up, still darker and darker 
grew the air, closer the damp mist gathered, 
while the black clouds rolled and tossed, like 
great waves, to and fro. 

“Ah!” sighed the weary little Spirit, “shall I 
never see the light again, or feel the warm 
winds on my cheek? It is a dreary way indeed, 
and but for the Season’s gifts I should have 
perished long ago; but the heavy clouds must 
pass away at last, and all be fair again. So 
hasten on, good Breeze, and bring me quickly 
to my journey’s end.” 

Soon the cold vapors vanished from her path, 
and sunshine shone upon her pleasantly; so 
she went gayly on, till she came up among the 


FLOWER FABLES. 


137 


stars, where many new, strange sights were to 
be seen. With wondering eyes she looked 
upon the bright worlds that once seemed dim 
and distant, when she gazed upon them from 
the sea; but now they moved around her, some 
shining with a softly radiant light, some circled 
with bright, many-colored rings, while others 
burned with a red, angry glare. Ripple would 
have gladly stayed to watch them longer, for 
she fancied low, sweet voices called her, and 
lovely faces seemed to look upon her as she 
passed; but higher up still, nearer to the sun, 
she saw a far-off light that glittered like a bril- 
liant crimson star, and seemed to cast a rosy 
glow along the sky. 

“The Fire-Spirits surely must be there, and 
I must stay no longer here,” said Ripple. So 
steadily she floated on, till straight before her 
lay a broad, bright path, that led up to a 
golden arch, beyond which she could see shapes 
flitting to and fro. As she drew near, brighter 
glowed the sky, hotter and hotter grew the 
air, till Ripple’s leaf-cloak shriveled up, and 
could no longer shield her from the heat ; then 
she unfolded the white snowflake, and, gladly 
wrapping the soft, cool mantle round her, 
entered through the shining arch. 

Through the red mist that floated all around 
her she could see high walls of changing light, 
where orange, blue, and violet flames went 
flickering to and fro, making graceful figures 
as they danced and glowed and underneath 
these rainbow arches little Spirits glided, far 
and near, wearing crowns of fire, beneath 


138 


FLOWER FABLES. 


which flashed their wild, bright eyes: and as 
they spoke sparks dropped quickly from their 
lips, and Ripple saw with wonder, through 
their garments of transparent light, that in 
each Fairy’s breast there burned a steady flame 
that never wavered or went out. 

As thus she stood the Spirits gathered round 
her, and their hot breath would have scorched 
her, but she drew the snow-cloak closer round 
her, saying: 

“Take me to your Queen, that I may tell 
her why I am here, and ask for what I seek.” 

So, through long halls of many-colored fire, 
they led her to a Spirit fairer than the rest, 
whose crown of flames waved to and fro like 
golden plumes, while underneath her violet 
robe, the light within her breast glowed bright 
and strong. 

“This is our Queen,” the Spirits said, bend- 
ing low before her, as she turned her gleaming 
eyes upon the stranger they had brought. 

Then Ripple told how she had wandered 
round the world in search of them, how the 
Seasons had most kindly helped her on by giv- 
ing Sunbeam, Breeze, Leaf, and Flake; and 
how, through many dangers, she had come at 
last to ask of them the magic flame that could 
give life to the little child again. 

When she had told her tale the Spirits whis- 
pered earnestly among themselves, while 
sparks fell thick and fast with every word ; at 
length the Fire-Queen said aloud: 

“We cannot give the flame you ask, for each 
of us must take a part of it from our own 


FLOWER FABLES. 


139 


breasts ; and this we will not do, for the 
brighter our bosom-fire burns, the lovelier we 
are. So do not ask us for this thing; but any 
other gift we will most gladly give, for we 
feel kindly toward you, and will serve you if 
we may. ” 

But Ripple asked no other boon, and, weep- 
ing sadly, begged them not to send her back 
without the gift she had come so far to gain. 

“O dear, warm-hearted Spirits! give me 
each a little light from your own breasts, and 
surely they will glow the brighter for this 
kindly deed; and I will thankfully repay it if I 
can.” As thus she spoke, the Queen, who had 
spied out a chain of jewels Ripple wore upon 
her neck, replied: 

‘‘If you will give me those bright, sparkling 
stones, I will bestow on you a part of my own 
flame; for we have no such lovely things to 
wear about our necks, and I desire much to 
have them. Will you give it me for what I 
offer, little Spirit? - ’ 

Joyfully Ripple gave her the chain; but, as 
soon as it touched her hand, the jewels melted 
•like snow, and fell in bright, drops to the 
ground; at this the Queen’s eyes flashed, and 
the Spirits gathered angrily about poor Rip- 
ple, who looked sadly at the broken chain, and 
thought in vain what she could give to win 
the thing she longed so earnestly for. 

‘‘I have many fairer gems than these, in my 
home below the sea; and I will bring all I can 
gather far and wide if you will grant my 
prayer and give me what I seek,” she said, 


140 


FLOWER FABLES. 


turning gently to the fiery Spirits who were 
hovering fiercely round her. 

“You must bring us each a jewel that will 
never vanish from our hands as these have 
done,” they said, “and we will each give of 
our fire; and when the child is brought to 
life, you must bring hither all the jewels you 
can gather from the depths of the sea that we 
may try them here among the flames ; but if 
they melt away like these, then we shall keep 
you prisoner till you give us back the light we 
lend. If you consent to this, then take our 
gift and journey home again ; but fail not to 
return, or we shall seek you out.” 

And Ripple said that she would consent, 
though she knew not if the jewels could be 
found ; still, thinking of the promise she had 
made, she forgot all else, and told the Spirits 
what they asked most surely should be done. 
So each one gave a little of the fire from their 
breast, and placed the flame in a crystal vase, 
through which it shone and glittered like a 
star. 

Then, bidding her remember all she had 
promised them, they led her to the golden 
arch and said farewell. 

So, down along the shining path, through 
mist and cloud, she traveled back; till, far 
below, she saw the broad blue sea she left so 
long ago. 

Gladly she plunged into the clear, cool 
waves, and floated back to her pleasant home ; 
where the Spirits gathered joyfully about her, 
listening with tears and smiles, as she told all 


FLOWER FABLES. 


141 


her many wanderings, and showed the crystal 
vase that she had brought. 

“Now come,” said they, “and finish the 
good work you have so bravely carried on.” 
So to the quiet tomb they went, where, like a 
marble image, cold and still, the little child 
was lying. Then Ripple placed the flame 
upon his breast, and watched it gleam and 
sparkle there, while light came slowly back 
into the once dim eyes, a rosy glow shone over 
the pale face, and breath stole through the 
parted lips; still brighter and warmer burned 
the magic fire, until the child awoke from 
his long sleep and looked in smiling wonder at 
the faces bending over him. 

Then Ripple sang for joy, and, with her 
sister Spirits, robed the child in graceful gar- 
ments, woven of bright seaweed, while in his 
shining hair they wreathed long garlands of 
their fairest flowers, and on his little arms 
hung chains of brilliant shells. 

“Now come with us, dear child,” said Rip- 
ple; “we will bear you safely up into the sun- 
light and the pleasant air ; for this is not your 
home, and yonder on the shore there waits a 
loving friend for you.” 

So up they went, through foam and spray, 
till on the beach, where the fresh winds played 
among her falling hair, and the waves broke 
sparkling at her feet, the lonely mother still 
stood, gazing wistfully across the sea. Sud- 
denly, upon a great blue billow that came roll- 
ing in, she saw the Water-Spirits smiling on 
her; and high aloft, in their white gleaming 


142 


FLOWER FABLES. 


arms, her child stretched forth his hands to 
welcome her; while the little voice she so 
longed to hear again cried gayly : 

“See, dear mother, I am come; and look 
what lovely things the gentle Spirits gave, 
that I might seem more beautiful to you.” 

Then gently the great wave broke and rolled 
back to the sea, leaving Ripple on the shore 
and the child clasped in his mother’s arms. 

“O faithful little Spirit! I would gladly give 
some precious gift to show my gratitude for 
this kind deed; but I have nothing save this 
chain of little pearls: they are the tears I 
shed, and the sea has changed them thus that 
I might offer them to you,’’ the happy mother 
said, when her first joy was passed, and Rip- 
ple turned to go. 

“Yes, I will gladly wear your gift, and look 
upon it as my fairest ornament,’’ the Water- 
Spirit said; and with the pearls upon her breast 
she left the shore where the child was playing 
gayly to and fro, and the mother’s glad smile 
shone upon her till she sank beneath the 
waves. 

And now another task was to be done ; her 
promise to the Fire-Spirits must be kept. So 
far and wide she searched among the caverns 
of the sea, and gathered all the brightest 
jewels shining there; and then upon her faith- 
ful Breeze once more went journeying through 
the sky. 

The Spirits gladly welcomed her, and led 
her to the Queen, before whom she poured out 
the sparkling gems she had gathered with such 


FLOWER FABLES. 


143 


toil and eare; but when the Spirits tried to 
form them into crowns they trickled from 
their hands like colored drops of dew, and 
Ripple saw with fear and sorrow how they 
melted one by one away, till none of all the 
many she had brought remained. Then the 
Fire-Spirits looked upon her angrily, and when 
she begged them to be merciful and let her 
try once more, saying: 

“Do not keep me prisoner here. I cannot 
breathe the flames that give you life, and but 
for this snow-mantle I, too, should melt away 
and vanish like the jewels in your hands. O 
dear Spirits, give me some other task, but let 
me go from this warm place, where all is. 
strange and fearful to a Spirit of the sea.” 

They would not listen, and drew nearer, say- 
ing, while bright sparks showered from their 
lips, “We will not let you go, for you have 
promised to be ours if the gems you brought 
proved worthless; so fling away this cold 
white cloak, and bathe with us in the fire 
fountains, and help us bring back to our bosom 
flames the light we gave you for the child.” 

Then Ripple sank down on the burning floor 
and felt that her life was nearly done; for she 
well knew the hot air of the fire-palace would 
be death to her. The Spirits gathered round 
and began to lift her mantle off; but under- 
neath they saw the pearl chain, shining with a 
clear, soft light, that only glowed more brightly 
when they laid their hands upon it. 

“O give us this!” cried they; “it is far love- 
lier than all the rest, and does not melt away 


144 


FLOWER FABLES. 


like them ; and see how brilliantly it glitters in 
our hands. If we may but have this, all will 
be well, and you are once more free. ’ ’ 

And Ripple, safe again beneath her snow- 
flake, gladly gave the chain to them ; and told 
them how the pearls they now placed proudly 
on their breasts were formed of tears, which 
but for them might still be flowing. Then 
the Spirits smiled most kindly on her, and 
would have put their arms about her, and have 
kissed her cheek, but she drew back, telling 
them that every touch of theirs was like a 
wound to her. 

“Then, if we may not tell our pleasure so, 
we will show it in a different way, and give 
you a pleasant journey home. Come out with 
us,” the Spirits said, “and see the bright path 
we have made for you.” So they led her to 
the lofty gate, and here, from sky to earth, a 
lovely rainbow arched its radiant colors in the 
sun. 

“This is indeed a pleasant road,” said Rip- 
ple. “Thank you, friendly Spirits, for your 
care ; and now farewell. I would gladly stay 
yet longer, but we cannot dwell together, and 
I am longing sadly for my own cool home. 
Now Sunbeam, Breeze, Leaf, and Flake, fly 
back to the Seasons whence you came, and 
tell them that, thanks to their kind gifts, Rip- 
ple’s work at last is done.” 

Then down along the shining pathway 
spread before her the happy little Spirit glided 
to the sea. 


FLOWER FABLES. 


145 


“Thanks, dear Summer- Wind,” said the 
Queen; “we will remember the lessons you 
have each taught us, and when we next meet 
in Fern Dale you shall tell us more. And 
now, dear Trip, call them from the lake, for 
the moon is sinking fast and we must hasten 
home.” 

The Elves gathered about their Queen, and 
while the rustling leaves were still and the 
flowers’ sweet voices mingled with their own, 
they sang this 


10 Flower Fables 


146 


FLOWER FABLES. 


FAIRY SONG. 

The moonlight fades from flower and tree, 
And the stars dim one by one; 

The tale is told, the song is sung, 

And the Fairy feast is done. 

The night- wind rocks the sleeping flowers, 
And sings to them, soft and low. 

The early birds ere long will wake : 

’Tis time for the Elves to go. 

O’er the sleeping earth we silently pass, 
Unseen by mortal eye, 

And send sweet dreams, as we lightly float 
Through the quiet moonlit sky ; — 

For the stars’ soft eyes alone may see, 

And the flowers alone may know, 

The feasts we hold, the tales we tell : 

So ’tis time for the Elves to go. 

From bird, and blossom, and bee, 

We learn the lessons they teach; 

And seek, by kindly deeds, to win 
A loving friend in each. 

And though unseen on earth we dwell, 
Sweet voices whisper low, 

And gentle hearts most joyously greet 
The Elves where’er they go v 


FLOWER FABLES. 


147 


When next we meet in the Fairy dell, 

May the silver moon’s soft light 
Shine then on faces gay as now, 

And Elfin hearts as light. 

Now spread each wing, for the eastern sky 
With sunlight soon will glow. 

The morning star shall light us home : 
Farewell ! for the Elves must go. 

As the music ceased, with a soft, rustling 
sound the Elves spread their shining wings, 
and flew silently over the sleeping earth ; the 
flowers closed their bright eyes, the little 
winds were still, for the feast was over, and 
the Fairy lessons ended. 


THE END. 


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W. B. CONKEY COMPANY, Chicago 


WORKS: Hammond, Ind. 


WORKS OF ELLA WHEELER WILCOX (Continued) 


HOW SALVATOR WON AND OTHER POEMS. 12mo, 
cloth, $1.00. Presentation Edition — white vellum, gold 
top, $1.50. Presentation Edition— half calf, gold top, 
$2.50. 

A choice collection of recitations, specially compiled for read* 
ors and impersonators. 

“Her name is a household word. Her great power lies in depict- 
ing human emotions ; and in handling that grandest of all passions 
— love— she wields the pen of a master.”— The Saturday Record. 

CUSTER AND OTHER POEMS. Handsomely Illustrated. 
12mo, cloth, $1.00. Presentation Edition — white vellum, 
gold top, $1.50. Presentation Edition— half calf, gold 
top, $2.50. 

A grand epic of the exploits and massacre of the immortal 
Custer. 

“One cannot help gaining new impetus for the spiritual exist- 
ence from coming in contact, mentally, with such ideal sentiments 
and emotions as this rarely gifted poetess voices in magnificent 
Vers e.”— Universal Truth. 

AN ERRING WOMAN’S LOVE. 12mo, cloth, $1.00. 
Presentation Edition — white vellum, gold top, $1.50. 
Presentation Edition — half calf, gold top. $2.50. 

“Power and pathos characterize this magnificent poem. A 
deep understanding of life and an intense sympathy are beauti- 
fully expressed.”— Tribune. 

MEN, WOMEN AND EMOTIONS. (Prose.) 12mo, heavy 
enameled paper cover, 50 cents ; English cloth, $1.00. 

A skillful analysis of social habits, customs and follies. 

“Her fame has reached all parts of the world, and her popular- 
ity seems to grow with each succeeding year.”— American Newsman. 

THE BEAUTIFUL LAND OF NOD. (Poems, songs and 
stories.) With over sixty original illustrations. Quarto, 
cloth, $1.00. 

The delight of the nursery. A charming mother’s book. 

“The foremost baby’s book of the world.”— New Orleans 
Picayune. 

PRESENTATION SETS. Poems of Passion, Maurine, 
Poems of Pleasure, How Salvator Won, and Custer, are 
supplied in sets of 3, 4, or 5 titles, as may be desired, in 
neat boxes, without extra charge. 

ELLA WHEELER WILCOX’S WORKS are for sale by leading book- 
sellers everywhere, or will be sent postpaid on receipt of price by 
the Publishers. 

W. B. CONKBY COMPANY, Chicago 


W. B. COHKEY COMPANY’S PUBLICATIONS 


1. Abb6 Constantin Hal6vy 

2. Adventures of a Brownie. ..Mulock 

3. All Aboard Optic 

4. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland 

Carroll 

6. An Attic Philosopher in Paris 

Souvestre 

6. Autobiography of Benjamin 

Franklin 

7. Autocrat of the Breakfast Table 

Holmes 

11. Bacon’s Essays Bacon 

12. Barrack Room Ballads. . .Kipling 

13. Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush 
Maclaren 

14. Black Beauty Sewall 

15. Blithedale Romance. .Hawthorne 

16. Boat Club Optic 

17. Bracebridge Hall Irving 

18. Brooks’ Addresses 

19. Browning’s Poems Browning 

24. Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage 
Byron 

25. Child’s History of England 
Dickens 

26. Cranford Gaskell 

27. Crown of Wild Olives Ruskin 

30. Daily Food for Christians 

81. Departmental Ditties. .. .Kipling 

82. Dolly Dialogues Hope 

33. Dream Life Mitchell 

34. Drummond’s Addresses 
Drummond 

87. Emerson’s Essays, Vol. 1 

Emerson 

38. Emerson’s Essays, Vol. 2 
Emerson 

39. Ethics of the Dust Ruskin 

40. Evangeline Longfellow 

43. Flower Fables Alcott 

46. Gold Dust Yonge 

49. Heroes and Hero Worship, Carlyle 

50. Hiawatha Longfellow 

61. House of Seven Gables 

Hawthorne 

52. House of the Wolf Weyman 

67. Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow 
Jerome 

58. Idylls of the King Tennyson 

59. Imitation of Christ 
Thos. a’Kempis 

60. In Memoriam Tennyson 

64. John Halifax Mulock 

67. Kept for the Master’6 Use 

Havergal 

68. Kidnapped Stevenson 

69. King of the Golden River.. Ruskin 

73. Laddie 

74. Lady of the Lake Scott 

75. Lai la Rookh Moore 

76. Let Us Follow Him.. .Sienkiewicz I 

77. Light of Asia Arnold | 


78. Light That Failed. .. .Kipling 

79. Locksley Hall Tennyson 

80. Longfellow’s Poems 

Longfellow 

81. Lorna Doone Blackmore 

82. Lowell’s Poems Lowell 

83. Lucile Meredith 

88. Marmion Scott 

89. Mosses from an Old Manse 

Hawthorn© 

93. Natural Law in the Spiritual 

World Drummond 

94. Now or Never Optic 

97. Paradise Lost Milton 

98. Paul and Virginia 

Saint Pierre 

99. Pilgrim’s Progress Bunyan 

100. Plain Tales from the Hills 

Kipling 

101. Pleasures of Life Lubbock 

102. Prince of the House of David 

Ingraham 

103. Princess Tennyson 

104. Prue and I Curtis 

107. Queen of the Air Ruskin 

110. Rab and His Friends. .. Brown 

111. Representative Men. .Emerson 

112. Reveries of a Bachelor 


Mitchell 

113. Rollo in Geneva Abbott 

114. Rollo in Holland Abbott 

115. Rollo in London Abbott 

116. RolJo in Naples Abbott 

117. Rollo in Paris Abbott 

118. Rollo in Rome Abbott 

119. Rollo in Scotland Abbott 

120. Rollo in Switzerland. . .Abbott 

121. Rollo on the Atlantic. ..Abbott 

122. Rollo on the Rhine Abbott 

123. Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam 


128. Sartor Resartus Carlyle 

129. Scarlet Letter Hawthorn© 

130 Sesame and Lilies Ruskin 

131. Sign of the Four Doyle 

132. Sketch Book Irving 

133. Stickit Minister Crockett 

140. Tales from Shakespeare 

C. and Mary Lamb 


141. Tanglewood Tales. .Hawthorne 

142. True and Beautiful ... .Ruskin 

143. Three Men in a Boat. .Jerome 

144. Through the Looking Glass 

Carroll 

145. Treasure Island Stevenson 

146. Twice Told Tales. .Hawthorne 

150. Uncle Tom’s Cabin Stowe 

154. Vicar of Wakefield. .Goldsmith 

158. Whittier’s Poems Whittier 

159. Wide, Wide World ....Warner 

160. Window in Thrums Barrie 

161. Wonder Book Hawthorne 


W. B. COHKEY COIDPHNY'S PlIBLIGflTIOHS 

COMPLETE LIST OF THE POETIC AND PROSE 

WORKS OF 

Ella Wheeler Wilcox 


POEMS OF PASSION. 12mo, cloth, $1.00. Presentation 
Edition— white vellum, gold top, $1.50. Presentation 
Edition — half calf, gold top, $2.50. 

POEMS OF PASSION. Quarto, cloth. Illustrated 
Edition, $1.50. 

POEMS OF PASSION. Pocket Edition, Illustrated — 16mo, 
cloth, 75 cents; full morocco, gold edges, $2.50. 

Human nature is less of a mystery after the reading of this book. 
“Only a woman of genius could produce such a remarkable 
work.”— Illustrated London News. 

MAURINE AND OTHER POEMS. 12mo, cloth, $1.00. 
Presentation Edition— white vellum, gold top, $1.50. 
Presentation Edition — half calf, gold top, $2.50. 
Beautiful thoughts and healthy inspiration in every line. 
“Maurine is an ideal poem about a perfect woman.”— The South. 

POEMS OF PLEASURE. 12mo, cloth, $1.00. Presenta- 
tion Edition — white veilum, gold top, $1.50. Presenta- 
tion Edition — half calf, gold top, $2.50. 

These poems make life doubly sweet and cheerful. 

“Mrs. Wilcox is an artist with a touch that reminds one of 
Lord Byron’s impassionate strains.”— Paris Register. 

THREE WOMEN. 12mo, cloth, $1.00. Presentation 
Edition — art binding, gold top, boxed, $1.50. 

Her latest and greatest poem. This marvelous narrative of 
thrilling interest depicts the lives of three good and beautiful 
women in every phase of iveakness , passion , pride , love, sympathy 
and tenderness. 

AN AMBITIOUS MAN. (Prose.) 12mo, cloth, $1.00. 

“Vivid realism stands forth from every page of this fascinating 
book.”— Every Day. 







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AUG IS 1900 






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